1-5 "Let me set this before you as plainly as I can. If a person climbs over or through the fence of a sheep pen instead of going through the gate, you know he's up to no good—a sheep rustler! The shepherd walks right up to the gate. The gatekeeper opens the gate to him and the sheep recognize his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he gets them all out, he leads them and they follow because they are familiar with his voice. They won't follow a stranger's voice but will scatter because they aren't used to the sound of it." (The Message)
Hearing voices when no one is there is considered a sign of mental illness and should be taken seriously by anyone who knows someone who experienced this. But what do you do when you experience it and believe that it is coming directly from Jesus? This is a question that puts religious people in a deep bind because we know that not all voices that are heard are from God. So over the years the church has established a number of check points to discern the authenticity of what is heard. Depending upon the religious body you associate with would determine how many check points could be necessary. Over the years I have gleaned a number of things that I consider whenever I try to discern if it is the Good Shepherd speaking.
- Is the voice speaking within the context of scripture? Is it consistent with what I and others know about the ways in which God has interacted with people over the ages.
- Is the voice speaking to me and my life or to me about other people's lives? I believe God works as close to the source as possible so I take it more seriously when it directly impacts my life.
- Is the voice confirmed by God in other ways? Do other people seem to randemly affirm what I have heard from God? As I pray about understanding God's leading do I continue to sense God's presence in the midst of what I have heard? When I share what I have heard with others I love and trust do they sense God in the midst of what I have heard?
- What are the possible outcomes of me following the leading of the voice that I have heard? Will it be for God's glory and the good of my neighbors?
These are just some of the many things that go into listening and following the voice of the Good Shepherd. I hope they are helpful to you.
Some thoughts to ponder and share with others:
- What images do you think would have come to mind for those who heard Jesus tell this story? What comes to mind for you?
- Whose voices can you distinguish in a crowded room even if you are unable to see them?
- How do you know when Jesus is speaking to you?
- What can you do to tune your ears to better hear Jesus voice?
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