The Good Shepherd

Do you know what the voice of Jesus sounds like?
I would imagine that it would sound different for each of us. It would be very difficult to describe, yet immediately recognisable.
A group of Mums chatting together at a play-park, will all look up when they hear a child scream, but only one Mum will start running towards the sound, because she knows straight away that this particular scream comes from her child.
A flock of geese, blown apart by the storms, will listen for the calls of other geese overhead, but will only lift off in joyful flight when they hear the call of their own family above them.
We too must listen for that one special voice, the one who is trying to lead us across the fields of life to green pastures, where we can lie down in safety.
Jesus leads from the front, calling us to follow Him; just like the shepherds of Jerusalem called their flocks. He goes on before, to check the way. He guides us. When we have difficult choices, or cannot see the way, He holds us safe until we find our way forward is clear.
He knows Our name, and we are special to Him; just as shepherds know every sheep in their flock and know when one is missing from the herd.
His voice assures us we belong. That we are loved and cared for. That we are part of his flock, part of our church community, part of God’s plan for his Heavenly Kingdom.
He searches us out when we stray, and brings us safely home. He enfolds us.
A sheep-fold is called a fold, because it is wrapped around the flock. When you enfold someone in your arms, you wrap yourself around them, like an enormous hug. When Jesus calls to You, and You answer “Yes, Lord, I’m here” then prepare yourself for the biggest hug You will ever receive!
Jesus declares that He has come so that we may all have life, and have it to the full. A life of abundance. A life filled to the brim with opportunities and happiness.
And there is no greater companion to choose to travel with, than Jesus, our Good Shepherd. He laid down His own life so that we can live, enfolded in His love, forever free from fear.

I pray that Jesus may always lead you by quiet waters, that He may always give you rest, and that you will always have goodness and love follow you all the days of your life.

AMEN