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 In the struggle to identify our shepherd’s voice, we can keep crying out, and we can keep listening, knowing our good shepherd is listening.

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Read John 10:1-5

Jesus alerts his listeners to a robber sneaking around. His name is Satan. Scripture calls Satan the thief, and his goal is to steal and kill and destroy. The thief enters the sheep pen in any way but the door. He comes in by surprise and takes what is not his because he cares only about himself and his schemes.

As Jesus describes the scene, he creates a contrast between the thief and the shepherd. The shepherd comes in through the door, not over the fence or by any other means. Of course, the gatekeeper lets him in because he recognizes his voice as he calls his sheep by name. Each sheep has a special name and knows the personal sound of the shepherd’s voice. The shepherd comes to intentionally lead his sheep. He doesn’t drive them away or take them against their will. The shepherd cares for his sheep and is willing to even give his life to protect them.

In this parable, Jesus is saying he is the shepherd. But, we still have to deal with one pesky robber. Satan is still a thief, and he continues to scheme against us. He desires to take us as far away from the shepherd as he can. He doesn’t want us to see the shepherd let alone hear his personal call. He wants to steal the truth of God from you and rob you of the joy and pleasure of a relationship with Jesus. In the struggle to identify our shepherd’s voice, we can keep crying out, and we can keep listening, knowing our good shepherd is listening. He will hear your cry.

S. Lewis imagines the voice of the enemy in The Screwtape Letters. The enemy says, “It is funny how mortals always picture us as putting things into their minds: in reality our best work is done by keeping things out.” What things does the enemy want to keep from you or steal from you? Write out a message for the enemy today.

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By Donna Burns

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