Shepherd of my soul

When I was studying in Dunedin, New Zealand, I love to observe the shepherds and their flocks in a vast green field. It was quite a sight to watch the shepherd down the valley surrounded by waves of white wool. The scenic view reminds me the story of the Good Shepherd who loves us and willing to give His life for us.

There is a story about a man traveling in a Middle East country, relates how he stopped to watch three shepherds who were at a well watering their flocks. The three flocks were all mingled together at the watering place. The traveler could see no difference between them, and he wondered how they would get them separated again without great trouble. But presently one of the shepherds stood forth and called out, "Menah," the Arabic for "Follow me," and sure enough thirty sheep immediately separated themselves from the indiscriminate mass and began to follow the shepherd up the hill. Then, a second shepherd lifted the cry, "Menah," and a second flock separated themselves and started after him, while the rest of the sheep remained as unconcerned as if no one had spoken at all.

The traveler was so astonished that as he saw the third shepherd preparing to depart, laying his hand to his crook and beginning to gather a few dates fallen from a palm beneath which he had been resting, he stepped up to him and asked: "Would your sheep follow me if I called them?" The man shook his head. "Give me your shepherd's cloak and crook and let me try." The traveler said He even wound the shepherds turban round his head and standing forth began to cry, "Menah, Menah!" but no sheep stirred. They only blinked at him lazily in the sunshine. "Do they never follow any one but you?" asked the traveler. Only when a sheep is sick; then the silly creature follows any one." the shepherd said.

The sheep knows the shepherd's voice. Isn't that powerful!!! Jesus said in John 10:27- "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me."

A true sheep under the leadership of our Lord Jesus Christ will know His voice and abide to His call - John 10:4 - "And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice."

Whose voice are we following today? Are we willing to obey Him as what it is written in the song "Shepherd of my soul"

Shepherd of my soul I give you full control,
Wherever You may lead I will follow.
I have made the choice to listen for Your voice,
Wherever You may lead I will go.

Be it in a quiet pasture or by a gentle stream,
The Shepherd of my soul is by my side.
Should I face a mighty mountain or a valley dark and deep,
The Shepherd of my soul will be my guide.

Be blessed and know that the Shepherd of our soul loves us and He is by your side.