Ever since we were young, we were taught not to talk or interact with strangers.
Nassau, Bahamas. Atlantis Resort Hotel. Every tower has its own pool. Royal Tower’s Swimming pool with the majestic sun mosaics. Last week.
My kids were swimming and playing a game where they throw a ball that skids across the water. Their version of man in the middle.
All of a sudden, I hear a man say to one of my children.
“Stop splashing me. Move over there.” Reiterating versions of these two statements.
Here I am. Literally. Seated 3 pool chairs from him. My particular child that he is addressing to has a very gentle spirit and very mild-mannered disposition. Elementary school aged. Two lost front teeth. Sweet as can be. I waited. And observed. Ready to step in if needed.
My son looks at the man. Assesses the situation. Comes to the same conclusion I do. The water has merely splashed onto the pool curb next to the man. No water has fallen on him or his lounge chair.
My son’s response: He moves from his spot in the pool about 1 inch. So my oldest daughter, who is close enough to hear the conversation. Admonishes her little brother.
One time.
“Come closer to me. Move away from that man.”
Immediately, my son heeds his sister’s words and complies.
“I am the Good Shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know Me…..They will listen to my voice.”—John 10:14, 16
My son only listened to his sister, not to the man by the pool who is a stranger.
Like sheep, we follow the voice of the Shepherd. We listen to the one we know. Get to know your Shepherd. Spend time with Him. Fellowship with Him. Read His truth in the Bible. So that you will recognize His voice and follow His truth.
And the Shepherd’s voice will never lead you astray. His plan is to gather His sheep and protect them, not scatter and leave them.
Come closer to me. Stay away from the world and the enemy that seeks to lead you away from truth and who will lie to you.
Let this truth free you today. Train your ear. Learn to hear and recognize the Shepherd’s voice. So you can follow and listen to the Real Truth.