John 10:4: When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.
Why is it important to develop the ability, by the Holy Spirit’s power, to recognize the Good Shepherd’s voice? In order to sense the nudges, pokes, and leadings of the Spirit shining a spotlight on my sinful nature. This creates awareness of thought patterns, that when left unchecked, lead me to disobedience. The more I think upon a thought, usually trying to justify or minimize, I provide opportunity for temptation to grow. Sure enough, when allowed to expand, it grows and gives birth to sin.
The reality is that my heart is “prone to wander,” as a famous old hymn makes reference (Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing by Robert Robinson). My flesh wants what it wants, even when what it wants is shallow, temporary, and a cheap substitute to what my Good Shepherd desires to give me. He who clothes the lilies of the field in all their splendor (Luke 12:27) makes me even greater promises.
And yet…
“It would seem that our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures…. like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at sea. We are far too easily pleased.” -C.S. Lewis
I have given much thought to this process of knowing the Good Shepherd’s voice and the wrestling match with obedience that then ensues upon my recognition of his voice. I perplex myself and get tired of blaming my efforts and weak flesh. So, I have wrestled, and wrestled some more, and came to a personalized 2×4-between-the-eyes question.
Do I REALLY believe the Good Shepherd is GOOD?
If I do, wouldn’t it equal prompt obedience? Yet there remains the desire to marginalize, rationalize, and minimize. Why? I suppose many theological reasons could contribute to the content of an entire book. But I have come to this summary:
● My desires really can be shallow.
● I’m not contemplating the extravagant Goodness of the Cross amidst temptation. I must contemplate the Cross amidst temptation.
John 10:11: I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
I consider the enormous cost, so I consider the enormous gift. That truth infuses strength for obedience. Caution: This is not easy to implement. The appetite of the sinful nature is fierce. These fierce moments of temptation create single-mindedness. My simple mind wants quick satisfaction.
“Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it….” then, I feel the nudge, poke, and prick to my spirit. It’s the Good Shepherd, through the Holy Spirit, identifying the counterfeit of pleasure’s offering that will surely lack lasting satisfaction. The Good Shepherd graciously grants me recognition and provides the opportunity for me to turn from the temptation and to him.
1 Corinthians 10:13: No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.
The Good Shepherd provides the recognition of the temptation. He also provides a way of escape. Obedience is mine to choose.
Oh, but failure is still a reality. Disobedience is still a reality. The battle with temptation is expected. I don’t always react with prompt obedience to the Good Shepherd’s voice. And so, I sin.
I am that sheep that goes astray.
1 Peter 2:25: For “you were like sheep going astray,” but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls (NIV).
Then what? The second part of this very verse directs my next step. Return to the Good Shepherd. I return by repenting and turning from my sin. I turn from by sin and turn to Jesus, the Good Shepherd.
I gain more understanding of his mercy and Goodness.
And I refuse, with the Holy Spirit’s strength, to enter the pit of shame. Shame isn’t from the Good Shepherd. 1 Peter 2:25 finishes by reminding me that my Good Shepherd is also the Overseer of my soul. I’m secure. My sin is covered by the Good Shepherd’s blood. He strengthens me for obedience on life’s journey and has secured my place with him forever. That is GOOD.
“Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love. Here’s my heart, oh, take and seal it. Seal it for thy courts above.” (Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing by Robert Robinson)
Kelly Packard has been a member of Faith for 12 years. She has spent her professional career as a college/pro women’s basketball coach. At Faith, Kelly serves as a writer for the blog and The Perspective, and she participates in Stephen Ministry. She loves affirming the promises of God from his Word through writing. Kelly is from Ohio and enjoys time with her family and friends, drinking coffee and exercise.