Following In The Path

John 10:25-28 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father's name bear witness about me, (26) but you do not believe because you are not part of my flock. (27) My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. (28) I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand.

In our society there are many exclusive and prestigious groups and clubs in which people covet membership. There are golf, yacht, tennis, and all kinds of organizations that people desire to belong to in order to enhance their status, reputation, and self esteem. None of these organizations will last and the members are here for an even shorter time. In sharp contrast, this passage of Scripture in John speaks of a group that will be together for eternity. Jesus refers to a group of people that he calls his sheep and his flock. The perks of the groups for which people covet and spend large sums of money only last for a few years while the sheep of the flock that belongs to Jesus lasts for eternity and is free. Yet, the Bible tells us that many are those that covet the world and its clubs but few are those that desire to be a part of Jesus’ flock. Why is this? Jesus tells us in verse 27 very plainly and simply when he says, “My sheep hear my voice.” Does this mean the Pharisees to whom Jesus was speaking are deaf? No, it means that the sheep of Jesus’ flock have been enabled to respond to this amazing grace, while many hear, but do not respond. Oh what hope, joy, peace, and contentment belong to those who are members of the most prestigious group in the history of planet earth. These people are Jesus’ flock. They have been touched by His grace and enabled to respond in faith.

Jesus also tells us in verse 27 that he knows His sheep and they follow him. He knows them (Romans 8:29) and they respond and follow him. Just as Chief, the German Shepherd dog, consistently follows the exact same path in the photo above, Christians consistently follow Jesus in their walk. It is very important to note that Jesus’ sheep follow him after they are in his flock rather than follow Him to earn their way into his flock. Rejoicing in gratitude and obedience is the proper response for all who are in Jesus’ flock and hear His voice. He will lead them through the valley of death and bring them safely to their heavenly home.

My Sheep Know My Voice
Words By: Herbert Buffum

My sheep hear My voice, and the path that I take,
They follow wherever I go;
My sheep know My voice and come at my call,
But a stranger’s voice do they not know.

My sheep know My voice, and day by day
They abide in the fold and go not astray,
They love Me because I have made them my choice,
And they follow My call for My sheep know My voice.

My sheep know My voice, and the pastures of green,
Where I lead them so often to feed;
My sheep know My voice and the cool sparkling stream
Where beside its still waters I lead.

My sheep know My voice, and the valley of death
Through which I shall lead them some day;
But no danger nor harm can touch one of them,
For I will be with them alway.