A Word with Pastor Stephen – April 22, 2020

“When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.” (John 10:4 NIV)

I can certainly remember a time before computers, the Internet, smart phones, social media and all the other voices that shout for our attention today. I am not saying it is better or worse. I’ve never been one to wax nostalgic about my youth, or talk about the “good old days”. Many times they were not really as good as we remember them.

Today, however, at least for me, all of this technology is very distracting. I seem to always have something speaking to me in my ear. Music is playing, a video is running, a podcast is talking, several tabs are open on my computer, and to top it off the television is always on as background noise to it all.

How in the world am I supposed to hear the voice of Jesus in my life when a choir of people is talking to me all of the time? If I am to follow Jesus and avoid imposters, I must learn to recognize his voice clearly. To do that, I must spend time listening to Jesus. I get to know Jesus and become friends with Jesus when I read the Bible, or when I pray. I hear his voice when I respond to his calling and reach out to a hurting and hungry and lost world. I have to spend time with Jesus if I want to learn his voice.

We know the voices of our deep friends and close family because we spend time with them. We know them. It’s no different with Jesus. So when Jesus is calling your name or asking you to do something you recognize his voice and respond. Don’t let the voice of Jesus get lost in the noise of your life. We know his voice when we spend time with him.

Spend time with Jesus. Become so familiar with the voice of Jesus in your life that when he calls your name you know exactly who is talking to. Amen.