The Voice of Truth

In the past week I have been noticing a trend on facebook and in what I hear friends and family saying. All very low and depressing.  Maybe it’s the long winter season or maybe it’s not.  I don’t’ really care at this point I’m done with what the devil is tryuing to do here. I am pained to hear so many people being told lies about themselves and struggling to not accept them. The truth is much different but sometimes so much harder to receive. The truth is you are lved and adored.  You are a masterpiece of Gods and His beloved.

 

**Lord, I lift up to you now those I’ve heard speaking negatively this week and ask you to show them your love in a tangible way today. As they move forward and when they hear the lies from the enemy please quickly confirm for them that this voice is not from you. Let them hear your voice singing over them even as they sleep.**

In 2014 I released a book called, “Truly, I Tell You”. It’s a Bible study of all of the times Jesus said this phase; 88 times BTW. This week’s blog is from that book, chapter 20.

 

 “Very truly, I tell you Pharisees, anyone who does not enter the sheep pen by the gate, but climbs in by some other way, is a thief and a robber.” John 10:1  “Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly, I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep.” John 10:7

 

Looking at these two “truly” verses we see that Jesus uses the word very to begin His statements.  We also see that Jesus has said this before, as John reminds us that Jesus said this “again” in verse 7 above.  Clearly Jesus is serious about His disciples understanding this concept.  It makes sense, since He is explaining the very reason He was sent — salvation.

 

Such a lovely picture story Jesus gives us, with the sheep and their shepherd, knowing His voice and only following Him. I have heard people say that when they came to Jesus they felt like they were coming home. Many have experienced the wonder of hearing a sermon or song on the radio and it was like it was meant just for them in that very moment. This is the Shepherd speaking to His sheep. 

 

Jesus also says that the sheep will not follow a stranger.  I can tell you there have been many times when I did the wrong thing, then looking back on my actions I remember there was a moment that I heard the voice of the Shepherd but I went the opposite way instead.  Did I follow the voice of a stranger or was I just lost? Perhaps the voice I followed was my own and not necessarily a stranger’s voice.

 

Awhile back I heard a preacher explain that there are three voices we hear — God, Satan, and ourselves. Sometimes we give satan more credit than he deserves. We are just as good at sabotaging Gods plans for us as satan is!  Happily, the more time I’ve spent with God the better I’ve become at distinguishing the voices, and the Shepherd’s voice has become very familiar. If I examine each idea presented by those voices during times of decision, the voice of Satan ultimately has an outcome that will eventually kill, steal, or destroy. My voice is typically self-promoting, self-protecting, or self-indulgent. The Shepherd is gentle, loving, and always has the end goal in mind.

 

Jesus tells us that those that are unfamiliar with the shepherd’s voice don’t belong and are trying to cheat their way into the pen. This is a harsh line for Jesus to take and has been heavily debated as Christians today are labeled as having no tolerance when saying “Jesus is the only way”, but that’s the way God designed His path for salvation. Jesus is the only way.  For those that choose not to accept this, they can take their chances outside the Shepherd’s care. God has given us the right to choose. As for me, I have heard His voice and choose to enter by the gate.

 

Reflection:

Have you ever heard a song or sermon and thought it was directed right at you from God? 

 

How did that make you feel?

 

Describe a time where you heard the voice of God directing you one way, but you went the other. 

 

What lured you away from the Shepherd?

 

Identify some actions that you’ve found to be typical for each voice speaking to you:

• Satan: (kill, steal or destroy)
• My voice: (self-promoting, self-protecting, or self-indulgent)
• God: (save, heal, deliver)

What can you do to recognize these voices better?

 

Click here to see a video of Casting Crowns Singing, The Voice of Truth