Jesus calls himself the Good Sheppard in John 10:14 - "I am the good Sheppard, I know my sheep and my sheep know me"
Those he was speaking to would have understood the responsibilities of a Sheppard:
The Sheppard provides direction and leading for the sheep
The Sheppard provides care and provision for the sheep
The Sheppard provides protection for the sheep
However, there is something important that we must realize as we read Chapter 10 in the Book of John. Jesus is placing the responsibility of the Sheppard upon himself providing us direction, providing us provision, and providing us protection, even becoming the sacrifice to protect us from the punishment of our sins. What we also need to realize, we are the sheep and as Jesus knows us, we should also know Jesus.
It was common when the Sheppard's would bring the sheep in from the fields where they grazed, grouping several flocks all together. Then when it was time for the Sheppard to call his flock to leave the other sheep, the sheep would follow the call of their Sheppard. Do you know the voice of your Good Sheppard, Jesus? If he were to call you now, would you know his voice?
In Chapter 13 in the book of Revelation, we see where the Anti-Christ deceives the inhabitants of the earth. Revelation 13 : 11 - 14 "Then I saw a second beast, coming out of the earth. It had two horns like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon. Â It exercised all the authority of the first beast on its behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose fatal wound had been healed. And it performed great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to the earth in full view of the people. Because of the signs it was given power to perform on behalf of the first beast, it deceived the inhabitants of the earth."
It is interesting that verse 11 says that the Anti-Christ has horns like a lamb, meaning he will appear to be like Jesus. However, he will speak like a Dragon, so if you do not know the voice of your savior, your Good Sheppard Jesus, you will be deceived. You will not know when Jesus is calling you, to lead and direct you, to provide and care for you, or even to protect you.
To know Jesus, is to know his voice and to know his voice we have to have a relationship with Jesus. Not just know who Jesus is but, to have an intimate relationship of who Jesus is and to have this kind of relationship you have to spend time with Jesus.
Time in prayer, talking and listening to Jesus.
Time in scripture, reading and studying about Jesus.
Time singing and praising about and to Jesus.
Time with others talking and learning about Jesus
Make knowing the voice of Jesus a priority today, so when he calls, you will know his voice.