A Voice of Distinction
The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep recognize his voice and come to him. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. John 10:3 (NLT)
Jeanette Levellie
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Most nights when my husband, Kevin, and I are eating dinner, one of the cats will walk to the back door and cry to go outside. I can tell which kitty it is, even if I’m sitting at the dining room table around the corner. Because I know their voices, I’ll ask Kevin to open the door for Princess or Fred. Each cat has a distinct cry. I suppose if I had twenty-seven cats (God forbid), I’d still recognize their individual voices because they are mine.
The cats may irk me when they wake me at 5 a.m. They may annoy me when they act as if they want outside but then sit in the doorway and sniff the air. They may even anger me when they fight with each other or climb the drapes. But they are still mine. And I love them dearly.
I cry for the sins of my past that bring regrets. I cry for children who are hurting or lost. I cry for people who refuse to believe that Jesus is God. I often cry tears of joy for the kind, generous things Jesus does for me and the sweet relationship we have.
When I cry, Jesus doesn’t simply hear a random person weeping, he hears my specific voice, whether broken or joyous. He calls us by name. And just as I love Princess and Fred, Jesus loves me dearly because I am His.
FAITH STEP: Find a picture of a shepherd with his flock of sheep. Thank Jesus that in all the millions of those who belong to Him, He knows your distinct voice.
Father God, thank You for being our Good Shepherd and hearing each individual voice that comes to You with praise and concerns. Let us make more time for You in our day. AMEN.