Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice,” (St. John 10:27.) It is a special characteristic of sheep that they respond not to the shepherd’s clothing, body movement, or his odor. Sheep respond to the shepherd’s voice. We need to respond to our shepherd’s voice the same way. Only by the voice of His Word.
We need to listen and live before our shepherd attentively and obediently. I call listening to God by our A,B,C,D’s:
- Attentively to God
- Believe God
- Comply with God
- Do what God says
All responses should be in accord with his word the Bible. The motivation for responding to God’s call is love. If we love Him no matter who we are we will yearn to hear Him. We will desire for ourselves the intense personal call of God so that we can be found living for Him.
God’s call usually comes without everything being spelled out. God rarely shows us the whole picture. Such examples were Abraham, Mary, Peter, Paul, and Stephen. Abraham was called to leave Ur of the Chaldeans before knowing his destination (Genesis 12:1.) Mary could not understand how she could conceive a child without a husband (Luke 1:34.)
Peter was told in a trance to kill and eat animals he believed to be unclean. This had to be very confusing to him as to why God commanded him to do such things (Act 10:13-14.) Paul was called on the road to Damacus, he was blinded and taken to Judas’ house on Straight Street.
Paul probably did not understand why he had to be blind until Ananias went and placed his hands on him (Acts 9:1-18.) The stoning and persecution of Stephen was no doubt hard to understand, yet God called him for it (Acts 7:54-60.)
Listening and trusting God as our Chief shepherd is very important. How has the call of God come to you? Are you listening to His voice? God’s call always comes as a call to sacrifice that leads to blessings. You must be willing to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Him (Luke 9:23.)
All Christians that have heard the voice of God have forsaken their desires to do His desires. They have forsaken hating and desired love. They have forsaken impatience and started being patient. They have forsaken the comfort zone of any such sins and been found doing God’s desires.
Missionaries have forsaken their comforts in their home country to go to other foreign countries and cultures. Listening to God’s voice means stepping out on the uncertain and into that which is sure. Only after we have obeyed does God’s commands seem to have purpose. He requires sacrifice on our part to make us a blessing.
A list of the following essentials to obeying the Voice of God:
- A life yielded to God.
- A life trusting God.
- A life willing to obey God.
- A life desiring closeness with God.
Such a list of characteristics only make sense when we realize that it is God’s purpose in our life. It is God’s desire to, “make you(us) perfect in every good work to do his will working in you(us) that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ to whom be glory forever and ever, Amen.” (Hebrews 13:21.)
Are you responding to God’s voice? Be sure you are found listening attentively. Then believe the words of God from the bible. Next comply with what you have heard. Last of all Do it!
If you are not responding this way then perhaps you have not been born again. Ask yourself have I been born again? Have I dealt with my Sin? Please listen and respond to God’s Voice.
Don’t respond in a stupid way like the police officer. John Smith happened to witness a minor holdup. In due time the police arrived, and one officer asked the witness his name. “John Smith”, said Mr. Smith.
“Cut the comedy,” snapped the cop. “What’s your real name?” “All right,” said Smith, “put me down as Winston Churchill.” “That’s more like it,” said the officer. “You can’t fool me with that Smith stuff.”
Don’t ignore God’s Voice and be stupid. Listen and do what your shepherd is asking you to do.