Craig Clouston

Voice Recognition

And his sheep follow him because they know his voice.
John 10:4

“Hello?” Marvin greeted as he answered the phone.
“Hey, Marv! Been a while, man! How you doin’?” came the voice from the other end of the line.
“I’m doing fine; how about you?” Marvin responded, his mind trying to link the voice to an identity. Whoever this was, he expected Marvin to know him without introduction, even though it had been a long time since they’d spoken.
Marvin knew he should know who this was; the man’s voice was so familiar. He knew he’d heard it many times. Yet, try as he might, recognition wasn’t coming.
As the conversation progressed, Marvin tried to steer it in such a way that the caller would reveal something that would give away his identity.
Then, as in answer to his silent prayer, the caller said, “You remember when Buster and I had to carry you home after you stepped on the limb of that thorn tree? Man, that thorn musta been three inches long and half of it stickin’ through your sneaker and into your heel! I still remember you tryin’ not to cry. Lord, how that must have hurt!”
Instant recognition! It was Danny!
Without hesitation, Marvin responded, “I was cutting a way through that mess when you pushed me into it, Danny! You shoulda carried me back by yourself!” They both broke into laughter, Marvin thankful his childhood friend hadn’t seemed to notice his lack of voice recognition.

†

For us to recognize someone’s voice, we must have some history, a bond that connects our lives. In recalling one memorable event, Danny brought immediate recognition of who he was.
In the same way, once Jesus becomes our Savior, His Spirit makes a connection that relates to our spirit. Early in our relationship when He calls to us, the Holy Spirit reminds us of the day we became God’s child.
As we grow into a deeper relationship, we learn to recognize His voice a little sooner.
Today’s text speaks of a time when we will know the Shepherd’s voice. The more we share our lives with Jesus, the easier it becomes to recognize His voice.

Prayer

“Lead me into a deeper, voice-recognizing relationship, Lord. In Your Name I pray, amen.”