In our society we have this thing about space and getting personal.

In our conversations we use phrases like: “Well! You do not have to get personal!” and “I did not mean that in a personal way” and “You are getting awfully personal!” We are cautious about getting too personal with people; sharing too much about our lives. After all, we all have people that have told us just a little more than we wanted to know.

In the story of the Good Shepherd in John 10, Jesus talks very clearly; He even takes time to explain His words. In verse 3 He tells us He calls His sheep by name. The sheepfold was a place where many shepherds would corral their sheep for safekeeping. The individual shepherd could go to the gate and call out only his own sheep because they would recognize his voice. But not only could he call them out as a group, he could call them out individually; one at a time. Wow! How could He do that? It is not hard to understand when we stop and think that he was with the sheep 24 hours a day, 7 days a week constantly in contact with them. He spent time with each individual one and called it by name while he was talking to it.

He told that story for a reason. He wants to get that personal with each of us. He is there when we get up and go out. In verse 4 He tells us that He even goes out ahead of us. He wants to commune with us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is only one catch that makes it difficult for us: verse 4 tells us: “His sheep follow Him because “they know His voice.”” Ahah! Yes, there is the hard part. Knowing God’s voice. How do we do that? We must spend more time with Him; in His Word, in prayer and just listening. We must get away from the crowd and just spend time with Him. God knows your voice; do you know His? Why not start getting personal with Him today? He sure wants to get personal with you!

Ken Smith is the pastor at Hickory Grove Church in Delphi.