Scripture:
1 Samuel 3:1–21
John 10:1–18
Theme Verse: “My sheep hear my voice. I know them, and they follow me.” — John 10:27
It’s not always easy to know which voice to listen to.
We live in a world filled with noise — notifications, opinions, breaking news, advertisements, and sometimes, our own anxious thoughts.
Each one clamors for our attention. Each one claims importance.
But the truth is: not every voice is the Shepherd’s.
Learning to listen — truly listen — is one of the most sacred tasks of faith. It takes practice, patience, and a heart willing to be quiet long enough to discern who is speaking.
📖 Part 1: Samuel’s Night of Listening
In 1 Samuel 3, we meet a boy who hasn’t yet learned what God’s voice sounds like.
Samuel sleeps near the Ark of God, under Eli’s care. The scripture tells us,
“The word of the Lord was rare in those days.”
In the stillness of the night, Samuel hears his name. He assumes it’s Eli calling.
Three times he runs to the old priest, saying,
“Here I am, for you called me.”
And three times Eli says, “I did not call.”
It’s only on the third time that Eli perceives something deeper is happening.
He tells Samuel,
“Go, lie down; and if He calls you, you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.’”
Samuel obeys — and that obedience, that willingness to listen, changes everything.
The next time the voice calls, Samuel doesn’t run to Eli. He stays still and answers God directly.
That is the beginning of Samuel’s prophetic ministry — not with a miracle, not with a sermon, but with listening.
✝️ Part 2: The Shepherd’s Voice
Now move with me to John 10.
Jesus says,
“The sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”
The Good Shepherd doesn’t shout. He doesn’t compete with the noise.
His voice is known through relationship — through time spent together, through trust.
The sheep learn the Shepherd’s voice by walking with Him daily — by being fed, led, and cared for.
Jesus also warns,
“The sheep will not follow a stranger. They will run from him because they do not know the voice of strangers.”
In other words: there are other voices out there.
Voices that deceive, distract, or discourage. Voices that promise ease but lead to emptiness.
Voices that sound comforting, but are not life-giving.
And so the question becomes —
How do we, as followers of Christ, learn to tell the difference?
🌿 Part 3: Learning to Listen Today
Discerning the Shepherd’s voice isn’t about perfect hearing — it’s about faithful listening.
Let’s look at what that means for us:
1. Be Still
Samuel was lying down when God spoke — still, quiet, open.
We can’t always hear God in the rush and noise of life.
Listening begins with stillness.
Whether it’s in morning prayer, knitting in peace, or walking outside. It’s in silence that our spiritual ears tune in.
2. Be Willing to Respond
Samuel said, “Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”
He didn’t know what God would say, but he was ready.
The Shepherd’s voice often calls us out of comfort — toward forgiveness, generosity, or courage.
Listening means being willing to act when we hear.
3. Be Rooted in Scripture and Spirit
Jesus’ voice always aligns with truth, compassion, and love.
When we hear a voice that leads to fear, greed, or resentment — it’s not the Shepherd.
When we hear a voice that calls us to mercy, humility, and service — that’s where Christ is speaking.
4. Be in Community
Samuel had Eli.
We need each other — wise voices who can say, “That sounds like God’s voice” or “Wait — that doesn’t.”
Community helps us discern together what God is saying to the church and the world.
💗 Part 4: Recognizing the Shepherd’s Voice in Our Lives
Think about how Jesus calls each of us by name — not just once, but again and again.
He calls in the dark nights of confusion.
He calls when the world feels loud and uncertain.
He calls us back when we’ve wandered far away.
His voice brings peace, not panic.
Hope, not fear.
Conviction, not condemnation.
And just like Samuel, we can grow in that listening — slowly, quietly, faithfully.
Each time we respond, we learn the sound of grace a little more clearly.
🕯 Conclusion
Learning to listen is the lifelong work of faith.
Not every voice deserves your energy or trust — but the Shepherd’s voice always leads to life.
So, this week, take a few moments of holy quiet.
Let your prayer be simple:
“Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”
Listen for the voice that calls you by name —
and when you hear it, follow.
For that is the voice of the Good Shepherd.
Amen.
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