I’m finishing up a lesson today on the beginning few chapters of Genesis. I’ve had the opportunity to study the creation of the world and mankind. It’s been a good reminder for me to enjoy God’s creation. The beauty He placed at my doorstep is pretty remarkable.

But in the review of this well-known account, I found myself with a question that I hadn’t thought of before. So let me set the scene.

Adam and Eve had a perfect relationship with God and His creation. God spent time with Adam and Eve. Genesis 3:8 says that God was walking in the garden in the cool of the day. God was present with them. He enjoyed being in their presence. And we also know that God spoke with them. In verse 9, God asked Adam and Eve where they were.

Adam and Eve knew one another’s voices for they spoke to one another. They also knew God’s voice. So why wouldn’t they question this new, strange voice that was heard in the garden? Why weren’t their spiritual ears alerted to this evil voice that had just entered their world? This was a voice that had never been heard before. How did they so easily and readily decide to have a conversation with this “new” voice?

Jump ahead to our own lives. That same evil voice desires to have a conversation with each of us. It’s the devil’s plan and scheme to catch us off guard and present something perfect, beautiful and desirable to us that causes us to reject the Voice we are so familiar with for the “new” voice on the block.

Let me remind you of Jesus’ words in John 10. In this passage, Jesus shares the truth about a shepherd and his flock. In this account, Jesus says that the shepherd of the flock is allowed into the pen and when he calls his sheep, they recognize his voice and follow him.

Jesus continues in this passage to remind us that He is the Good Shepherd. Jesus knows His sheep and His sheep know him. How? By His voice. John 10:27 (NIV) says, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”

As we become more in tune with the Voice of Jesus, the evil one’s voice is diminished. Oh he will still try to lure us away from the Good Shepherd, but we must continue to remind ourselves of whose voice we are going to listen to, believe and follow.

Eve should have seen and heard all kinds of red flags and whistles when the conniving snake spoke his first words to her. But the temptation to be elevated was too great for her.

I pray that you are able to distinguish between the good and evil voices that you hear each day. I pray that Jesus’ voice is your compass. I pray that you recognize His voice as the One who was willing to lay down His life for you so that you might have eternal life and not perish. I pray that you will run away from unrecognizable voices.

Maybe John 10 is a good chapter for you to read today and to be reminded of who the Great Shepherd is and what He has done for you. And that you would be reminded of His voice.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna