The Voice

John 10:11-16

Jesus said to the Pharisees, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away--and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd."

There is a scene in "We Were Soldiers" when Mel Gibson (playing Lt. Col. Hal Moore) addresses the company of soldiers he will lead in battle during the Viet Nam War. ( You can watch the clip now by clicking on the movie title, if you want -- but please ignore the predictably raunchy comments left by some of the youtube audience. The inspiring speech is compelling!)

A short speech--one that speaks to the heart of each listener -- the ones portrayed as well as the ones viewing the movie. The content of the speech is powerful, but even more moving is the timbre and tone of voice. The Lt. Col. could be speaking Swahili and I would know that he is speaking to my heart words that establish a covenant...words of leadership...words that are true and immovable.

When I ponder the voice of the Good Shepherd, I can see and hear a voice that is unifying in its promise to hold me (and all of the Children of God) together. It is a voice that will not ask me to do anything or go anywhere alone. The Good Shepherd goes before me...and stays with me...and protects me from all perils around me. That is loving leadership....that is the shepherding that holds my life together!

Every single day we are encountering all sorts of worldly situations that threaten the peace and justice of God's people. In small and huge ways we are called to serve as a troop of believers setting forth the promises and power of God in Christ. When we are strong, He directs us to ways that transmit His love through our courage and strength. When we stumble or falter He lifts us up in His protective presence. And should we lose our lives, He is with us in that dying...bringing us Home.