Saturday, June 30, 2012

Father's Voice

Ever since the boys were little, Larry has had a signal to get their attention when they are not close by.  His whistle can be heard from quite a distance, which is how I prefer to hear it.  Up close and personal it is a little too loud for me.  It does serve its purpose though in letting the boys know they need to respond and come see what is needed.

When Brad and Chad were in 3rd or 4th grade, they went on a Royal Ambassador campout with the church.  Larry was one of the sponsors for the Friday and Saturday event.  On Saturday afternoon, the boys had been gathering different things and asked permission to go more into the wooded area to explore.  When it was time to begin packing up, Larry whistled for the boys.  Several of the dads laughed and wanted to know if he thought that would really work.  A few minutes later, Brad and Chad, followed by the other boys, ran into the clearing and wanted to know what Larry needed.  They recognized their “Father’s voice”.

I’ve often thought about the importance of that communication.
·        They knew the sound of their father’s whistle.
·        They had been taught to listen for the whistle.
·        They knew not to go too far of a distance so that they could still hear when called.
·        They knew that when they heard the whistle, they needed to respond.

Just like knowing our earthly father’s voice, it is important to recognize our Heavenly Father’s voice.  We need to learn to listen when He speaks.  It is important to not get so far “away” and involved in situations or events that it makes it difficult to discern what He wants.  And when He speaks, it is important to respond immediately.

John 10:2-4
2 The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. 3 The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice.

John 10:14-15
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me—
just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.

John 10:27
My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.

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