Rabbit, rabbit..

Polylogue or dialogue?

“My sheep (and rabbits) listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
John 10:27 (NIV)
 
God’s is not the only voice in our lives. Family, friends, the media, social media (how many have you got? That’s way too many!), our bosses, our innermost fears all vie for our attention.
 
It’s easy to hear – and to simply turn to the loudest voice.
 
In John chapter 10 Jesus calls himself the Good Shepherd and we, His children, are the sheep of His pasture. Jesus confirms that we can hear His voice, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27).
 
Jesus doesn’t tell us that if we take a theology degree, join the PCC or go to church often enough we’ll unlock the mystery of hearing His voice. Instead, Jesus lists only one prerequisite to this: Be one of His sheep.
 
But his voice is not the only voice competing for our attention. Jesus speaks of a stranger’s voice that also calls to the sheep. A stranger likened to a thief, who comes only to steal and destroy.
 
Two voices pulling us in two different directions. Will we simply turn towards the loudest?
 
Our ability to know and hear Jesus’ voice is vital. It’s the difference between joy and despair, between living life to the full or running on empty. Jesus states that His sheep will not follow the voice of the stranger because they do not know it, but His voice they know and follow.  If you know you are one of the flock, but the Shepherd’s voice still sounds faint or distant, it may be time to get intentional about listening for His voice.
 
Consider the places where you go when you want to listen. It’s unlikely to be a football game or the pub.  When we want to hear from someone we put thm in the diary, the chair opposite or on Facetime. We make sure we’re free from other distractions. Isn’t God worthy of the same courtesy?
 
Let’s not cram God into the crevices and cracks of our lives. It’s fine to grab a few minutes here and there to read a Scripture verse or offer up a quick prayer. But this is unlikely to become a real conversation – or put you in receive rather than send mode.
 
So do take time out today to hang out with God. Unplug your social and media antennae for a few minutes and listen.
 
To help, why not pray like this: Lord, help me as I learn to listen to Your voice. Give me courage to believe that You want to speak to me. I don’t want to be nervous of seeking You in quiet places. And as I do, may I follow You. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Now have a listen to Mike Scott’s lovely song ‘What do you want me to do?’ Mike is the lead singer and songwriter of The Waterboys.