His Sheep Hear His Voice
Dr. Shaun Brooks
His Sheep Hear His Voice
Jesus taught that in the last days there will be two classes of people: sheep and goats. On the surface, the animals may appear similar. In fact, both were considered sacrificial animals in the sanctuary service. Yet Jesus uses them to illustrate a profound spiritual distinction. Religious activity may increase for various reasons, but Christ still cautions His people to exercise discernment.
There are places a goat will tread that could injure a sheep. There are things a goat will eat that could harm, and even kill, a sheep. Simply put, there are things a goat can tolerate that would be deadly to a sheep. Time and again, Jesus makes clear that His sheep will not become comfortable with injustice. They will not tolerate oppression, bigotry, cruelty, or indifference to suffering. They will not feast on hatred.
There are places a goat will tread that could injure a sheep. There are things a goat will eat that could harm, and even kill, a sheep. Simply put, there are things a goat can tolerate that would be deadly to a sheep. Time and again, Jesus makes clear that His sheep will not become comfortable with injustice. They will not tolerate oppression, bigotry, cruelty, or indifference to suffering. They will not feast on hatred.
Instead, they will do the opposite of what the goats do. They will feed the hungry, clothe the naked, welcome the stranger, care for the vulnerable, and show love to the outcast. They will live according to the pattern Christ demonstrated while He walked among us. To do anything less would be beneath their new nature and destructive to their spiritual appetite.
Sheep do not apologize for refusing what would poison them. They simply continue, naturally and faithfully, to follow the Shepherd wherever His Spirit leads.
The time for discernment is now, saints. Not everyone who claims the name of Christ grazes where the Good Shepherd leads. And not everyone who carries the title Christian truly delights in the things of Christ or does His will.
The question is not simply, “Do I look religious?” The question is, “What am I willing to consume, tolerate, and become?” The Shepherd knows His sheep. And His sheep know His voice.
