FOLLOW YOUR SHEPHERD

And when He brings out His own sheep, He goes before them; and the SHEEP FOLLOW HIM, for they know His Voice – John 10:4

Our Saviour Jesus Christ is also our Shepherd-Leader. John 10:3-4 reveal four truths about the Shepherd and His sheep: (1) He calls His own sheep by name; (2) the sheep hear His voice; (3) He leads them out; (4) He goes before them; and (5) the sheep FOLLOW Him, because they know His Voice. Beloved, do these describe your experience? Do you hear Him call you by name? Are you used to hearing His Voice? Are you led by Him? Do you see Him constantly ahead of you? Do you discern His Voice from all other voices? Are you truly following the Shepherd?

Leading His sheep is an intensely demanding work for Him and one that calls for our willingness. It is contrary to our nature as sheep to move as directed; but equally difficult for the Shepherd to cause us temporary pain for our progress! Yet it must be done, or we would remain in our ‘comfort zone’. Therefore our Shepherd leaves the fold so the sheep will move on to the vitalizing mountain slopes. O, the wisdom of His Will. When His loving hand leads us forward, it must be for our best. Forward, in His name, to green pastures, quiet waters, and mountain heights (Ps. 23:2.)

“He goes before us” and the eye of faith can always discern His Majestic Presence out in front. So, whatever awaits us is encountered first by Him. It is dangerous to move ahead if His Presence cannot be confirmed (Ex.33:15). What a comfort it is to our hearts, that our Shepherd has experienced all the trials we may ever have to endure. He would not ask us to pass through them unless He was sure that the paths were not too strenuous for us, disastrous to our destinies, or would not lead us elsewhere than to the pinnacle of Glory!

This is the blessed life: not anxious to see far down the road, nor overly worried about the next step, but quietly following the Shepherd, one step at a time, knowing that all the tomorrows of our life have to pass through Him before they can get to us. The path may be dark, the mountain track hidden from sight by heavy mists that hang over the hills and vales, such that we can hardly discern a step in front; but our divine Guide knows. He who trod earth's pathways is going unseen ahead of us. His shield of protection is round about; and His sweet, gentle, but firm Voice is whispering peace. We have no need to fear. Whoever touches us touches His sheep, His bride, His purchased possession, the apple of His eye. Secured in His peace, we must trust and not be afraid (Ps.46:2).