THAT VOICE

Jesus said to her, “Mary!”

She turned toward Him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabonni!”

(which means Teacher)    -John 20:16

           “Hi, Governor!” greeted the booming voice on the telephone.  It had been at least fifteen years since I had last heard that voice, but I instantly recognized its distinctive tone and expression.  The speaker was an old college buddy, informing me that he would be visiting our area within the next several weeks.

           I’m sure many have had the experience of recognizing a “voice from the past.”  Our ears have an amazing memory.  That was Mary Magdalene’s experience as she stood weeping beside the empty tomb that first Easter morning.  In her despair, Mary didn’t recognize her risen Lord until He spoke her name.  Then she joyfully responded to His voice. 

          One of our main goals as Christian parents and teachers is to help our children recognize the voice of our Savior.  In the midst of all the voices promising guidance, security and happiness; only One can fully deliver on those promises.  Knowing and responding to that voice comes from growing in our relationship with Him. 

          Jesus presented a picture of that loving, caring relationship when He portrayed Himself as the Good Shepherd.  “I am the Good Shepherd . . . My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; and I give them eternal life.”  John 10:11, 27-28

             While few of us have had experience with sheep, many have developed a relationship with a pet that hears its master’s voice and responds.  Relate and respond.  Spend time in our Lord’s presence, learning to listen and then to respond to His guidance.  In the same way, lead your children to recognize their Master’s voice by speaking His words of love and life to them.

                     Lord, Thy words are waters living where I quench my thirsty need.

Lord, Thy words are bread forgiving, on Thy words my soul doth feed.

Lord, Thy words shall be my light through death’s vale and dreary night;

Yea, they are my sword prevailing and my cup of joy unfailing.

-Anna Sophia of Hesse-Darmstadt, 1658

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