The Court Case Call

            An old story tells of a man in Australia who was arrested and charged with stealing a sheep. He emphatically claimed it was one of his own and had been missing for many days.

            When the case went to court, the judge was puzzled, not knowing how to decide the matter. At last he asked that the sheep be brought into the courtroom.

            The judge then he ordered the plaintiff to step outside and call the animal. The sheep made no response except to raise its head and look frightened.

            The judge then instructed the defendant to go to the courtyard and call the sheep. When the accused man began to make his distinctive call, the sheep bounded toward the door. It was obvious that he recognized the familiar voice of his master.

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 10:4.)

Do You Hear His Voice?

          An old story goes like this:

            A man who wanted to teach his nephews and nieces about the reality of the living presence of Christ in our lives asked them, “Where’s your mother?”

            “Upstairs,” answered one girl. 

            “How do you know?” 

            “I saw her go,” she replied. 

            “You mean you saw her start to go upstairs,” corrected the uncle. “Maybe she didn’t get there, or perhaps she’s not there now.”

            “Oh, I know she’s there, because I just called her, and she answered me,” said the youngest child. 

            The uncle continued his questioning, “Did you see her?” 

            “No, but she spoke to me and called me by my name. I know her voice, and I know it was Mother!” 

            “You are right,” said the uncle. “And in much the same way that you know your mother is upstairs we can know that the Lord is alive and in our lives. He speaks to us and we just know it is His voice.”