A letter from a dear friend is opened with joyful anticipation while a letter from a stranger is
opened with suspicion.
A message from the Lord is received with joy by those who see the Lord as a Dear and Precious
Friend.
The same message is eyed with suspicion by those who are strangers to the Lord.
The voice of a dear friend brings joy to the heart of the hearer while the voice of a stranger puts
the hearer on guard.
Jesus said, "My sheep will hear my voice and they will come."
The children of a loving father run to meet him when he comes home, while the children of a
hateful father seek to hide.
Likewise, those who see God as loving Father delight in His inspired words and look forward to
His coming.
All others do not.
