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The Tone Of His Voice
The sheep hear ..and know... His Voice. John 10: 3, 4

Well,sheep cannot distinguish words,as far as I know. The shepherd speaks to them, as we might speak to our pets, but we don't really think they know the meaning of what is said. It is the tone of voice that animals respond to. As Christ's sheep we likewise often do not really hear or understand His words to us. But what is more significant is the tone He uses to communicate with. Noises, tones and tunes are all around us; whether the ringing of our cellphones ( is that my tone?) or the tone of the child crying. We often subconsciously tune in to what tone is 'calling' us, and tune out that which calls another. And so it is in our relationship with the Good Shepherd. This verse can be translated, "my sheep hear my tone". What does His tone sound like? It is gentle, loving, kind, soothing, peaceful and comforting. Even if the words are words of rebuke, still the tone is always loving. In contrast, the tone of the enemy, satan, the butcher of sheep is harsh, condemning, angry, seductive yet driving. Christ often communicates to us without words: the sense of His presence speaks volumes by the tone of His presence.

L Guy