Pastor's Corner

On a Lloyd's of London bank wall in Kingston, England hangs a plaque commemorating the dog Nipper, who lies buried under the bank in what was once a park with magnolia trees. Nipper was the model for the famous RCA painting of a dog staring down the funnel of a gramophone listening to "His Master's Voice", the name given to the painting.

Nipper provides us with the example of enjoying our Master's voice. He models what it means to intently listen to the voice of Jesus our Lord.

We know the voice of Jesus through His Word, the Bible, and through the personal ministry of the Holy Spirit. The still, soft prompting of His voice isn't known by audible words, but by the prompting of His Spirit, expelling our fears and casting out our doubts.

He makes Himself known to those who love Him and seek Him. It is the same voice that speaks to us of His love that sent Him to the cross to die for our sins. He taught that "His sheep follow Him because they know His voice." Jn. 10:4. In knowing His voice, we know His loving guidance.

Our heart yearns for the love and goodness known to us through His Word. In confusion, He leads us. In turmoil, He calms us. In pain and grief, He assures us and makes Himself known to our heart. Recently, a local nursing home resident said, "The joy of life is in knowing Him!"

Pastor Greg Brownell

Dayton United Brethren Church