John 10:27  My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
We follow our shepherd because we recognize His voice!  There are many voices in the world that are designed and determined to pull us away from the one that loved us and gave himself for us.  I’m thinking of a couple of examples in scripture when our Lord said, ” Follow me.”  When he spoke to Peter and Andrew… Matthew 4:19 And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.  They were no doubt excellent fishermen, but Jesus had a different occupation in mind.  They would now go forth fishing for men.  When we follow Jesus closely, we begin to get interested in that which is His desire.  He desires first and foremost that men and women, boys and girls, have their sins forgiven and a home in heaven with Him!   Many today will not fish for men because they’ve never learned to deny themselves!  Notice… Matthew 16:24  Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.  Before there can be a  declaring of the Savior, there must be a denying of self!  The men we spoke of earlier LEFT THEIR NETS!  We live in a society where the last thing folks want to do is deny their flesh.  It is joy unspeakable to know you have heard the shepherds voice, obeyed His instructions,  and as a result the Lord used you to make a difference in someone else’s life.  Jesus said follow me.  That’s my desire.  Is it your’s?
Lord, you alone are worthy. Help us to follow you, knowing that ultimately we shall be with you in glory. Amen. Pastor