I Know You

"Hello, this is the Ferry residence. Eden speaking." 

"Hi, Eden, how are you?"

"Daddy!!!"

She knew my voice. No introduction needed. No catch up necessary. My daughter's ears recognized. And then out of her mouth spilt her heartfelt joy. 

Yeshua the Messiah said, "My sheep know my voice." "For those with ears to hear...hear." And when those supposed disciples get before him making claims to all that they have done in his name, his response seems cold, "Depart from me; I never knew you." 

Translation: You were never in my flock. You were never around long enough to learn the subtle nuances of my accent, follow the inflection within my tone, or recognize the ebb and flow of my lilt. You didn't know me.

Eden taught me to reexamine Yeshua's intention behind these verses. What's he after? Lambs. Sheep. Followers. Numbers. Is that it? Or is there more to his invitation?

My kids don't connect in their relationship to me as their father via their role or position as my children; albeit, it is forever in the background, the very foundation and reason we exist in this relationship with one another. No, they measure by my voice. Their spirits subterraneanly question, "When was the last time we were around Daddy? When will he be home?" 

I'm reminded that the most important part of my day is hearing the voice of my Lord. 

He is the good shepherd of my life

When he calls I am tuned in enough to hear him

I sleep well when I am by him

He leads me to the water that sustains me

He feeds me

He doesn't allow me to go down the wrong path

When it's dark I am not afraid because I feel him lying next to me

His staff protects me from danger and trouble

I will be by him, dwelling in his pasture forever