“I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with Mine eye upon thee.” Psalm 32:8
It is a remarkable thing that the eternal God can guide a helpless sheep. It is not so remarkable with regard to God’s capacity and effectiveness to do so, for all things are possible to Him, but in the fact that the sheep is so limited in his ability to understand, and respond in a right manner, proving the reality of God’s control and direction. How is it to be understood from the sheep’s standpoint? How is that limited, helpless, and sinful sheep able to understand the indications and desires of the shepherd, then to follow him, even though he cannot see and understand fully the way? The answer resides in the Shepherd’s voice…His personal calling. It was the Lord Jesus who said, “To Him (the Shepherd) the porter (or gatekeeper of the sheep-fold), openeth, and the sheep hear His voice: and He calleth His own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.” (John 10:3) In the following verse of John’s gospel, the Lord adds: “…for they KNOW His (the Shepherd’s voice).” How can a dumb sheep hear the voice of his shepherd, know that it is him, and realize that he is calling him by name? Where does this discernment and assurance come from?
Throughout the entire passage concerning the true Shepherd, and the relationship that He has with His sheep, we discover certain things about the Shepherd which helps us understand how the sheep hear his voice, recognize it, and the obediently follow. The first thing we discover is that this Shepherd is absolutely devoted to the sheep and is selfless in his care and commitment to them. Scripture tells us that the true Shepherd lays down His life for them. It also speaks to the fact that He does not fail the sheep, fleeing when the wolf comes, but stands his ground to protect the sheep. There is in this knowledge great cause and reason for trusting wholly this Shepherd. We find also in this picture that this Shepherd is wholly good, there being no wrong intent, no wrong or oppressive gesture or sinful meanness. The Great Shepherd’s demeanor and actions towards the sheep are always perfect, always good, and contributing to the greatest, and highest well-being of the sheep. Also, there is great intent expressed by the Great Shepherd’s words, for He has said, “…and other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I MUST bring.” (v.16) Jesus will act in the same manner towards these other sheep in the same way as those who are in the fold. He speaks to them in the same way and enables them to hear His voice.
One last thing is the issue of the security of the sheep. The Lord said, “…I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My hand.” (v.28) So, where does the assurance come from so that the sheep can recognize the voice of the shepherd, know that He is speaking to the individual sheep by name, and that he will unfailingly call them forth to follow him in his way, and in his time? It comes with the KNOWLEDGE that God in Christ gives to the sheep concerning WHO He is, revealing his compassion, goodness, wisdom, and care, His unfailing faithfulness, and matchless personal attention, even though He is so great and the sheep ever so small.
When David wrote in Psalm 32 of the certainty of being instructed, taught, and then guided by the Lord, he spoke first of a hindrance to being so. The issue was unconfessed sin, and its solution. When this was dealt with, there came the admonition to pray, “…in a time when Thou mayest be found,” even though those times of “great waters,” overwhelming circumstances. It is then, in the knowledge of who Christ is that he would write: “Thou art my hiding place. The secret is in Christ’s love.
Dear Father, Teach us Thy paths. In Jesus’ name, Amen.