If given the choice, would you rather be a sheep which needs to be led by someone else for its very survival, or would you like to be the wolf which has the ability to fend for itself? According to the world viewpoint a wolf would fare much better. A wolf does not look for a shepherd, he is on the lookout for shepherdless sheep.

The spiritual wolf does not hear the voice of the Good Shepherd as a voice of love and compassion, but hears it as his competition; someone who stands in the way. The bark and howl of the wolf in a spiritual sense is the work of the Law, troubling and frightening the sheep. Many people today, like those in Jesus’ day, end up harassing the sheep.

A recent book which acts like a wolf is called “A Purpose Driven Life,” which has been very popular in certain churches. It offers a forty day routine of readings which is to elevate the reader spiritually. The book does not proclaim Christ as the Savior from sin; it directs the sinner to look at himself and seek to improve his way of living. Therefore it leaves readers harassed and helpless, or even worse—self-sufficient wolves.

Jesus speaks of His believers and makes this observation: “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life”(John 10:28, 29a). The voice of the Good Shepherd is distinctive. It does not bark out orders for His sheep to serve Him. It does not howl to strike fear in them. The voice of the Good Shepherd offers life and safety. In order for His sheep to gain the confidence to follow Him, He speaks tenderly and produces good things which the sheep desire and need. We hear such things as: “Your sins are forgiven.” “You have eternal life in My Name.” “This is My body given for you, this is My blood shed for you.”

This is the voice that we have come to know, trust and follow. Jesus promises: “My sheep…shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand”(John 10:29b&c). Our spiritual enemies want us to doubt that tender voice of the Good Shepherd, but as long as we trust it we will never be lost.

Consider how this plays out in the life of a Christian who suffers from Alzheimer's disease. While one’s mind is affected by Alzheimer's, his or her faith in Christ is not lost. Faith resides in the soul and Jesus promises that no one can snatch His sheep from His hand. It can be observed that often even in the later stages of this disease when a pastor speaks a devotion to those afflicted, they will pause in their repetitive motions and verbal chantings and listen. Well into the advanced stages they will also often join in the familiar words of the Lord’s Prayer and Apostles’ creed. They recognize the voice of their Good Shepherd.

By God’s grace, we have been called to the Good Shepherd’s flock. We hear His voice, believe and follow. Don’t be led astray by wolves dressed in sheep’s clothing. You will know them because they speak with a different voice, one that harasses the sinner to death. Follow only Jesus with the tender voice, the One who alone gives us life.

Glenn Obenberger is co-pastor of Parkland Lutheran Church in Tacoma, Washington and is the Vice-President of the ELS.