Who Speaks?

“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs…

“Of the Son he says,

‘Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,
    the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.
You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has anointed you
    with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.’

“And,

‘You, Lord, laid the foundation of the earth in the beginning,
    and the heavens are the work of your hands;
they will perish, but you remain;
    they will all wear out like a garment,
like a robe you will roll them up,
    like a garment they will be changed.
But you are the same,
    and your years will have no end.’

“And to which of the angels has he ever said,

‘Sit at my right hand
    until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet’?” Hebrews 1:1-4,8-13

God spoke the world into being, and from the beginning His voice created, instructed, questioned, and loved. Through the ages His word was captured and recorded so the next would be able to know it. After the last prophet had foretold His coming, Jesus appeared as the Word, God in the flesh, and by His Spirit we have the scriptures as His immutable, inerrant word forever. (Genesis 1:3-30; Psalm 19:7-8; Matthew 24:35; 2 Peter 1:21)

Of all the voices in the world, there is one that speaks like no other. It is both in this world and out of this world in existence, authority, power, and glory, and it speaks personally to us. It is available for the asking, the reading, this living Word whose name is above all names. His is not the voice of a prophet or angel or public expert, but the Word who is God. (John 1:1-4; Philippians 2:9; 2 Timothy 3:16; Hebrews 4:12)

Who speaks into our messes, conundrums, and wonderings? Whom have we chosen to tune in to and heed? What are we turning on, tuning in, or opening up for a word of help? If we seek advice from individuals, how carefully do we discern its alignment with God’s truth? When we pay attention to voices through the filter of His excellent word, God inspires and leads.

Who speaks through us? Do we make decisions and advise on the basis of gut feelings, quickly react from emotion, or thoughtfully give voice to God’s Word?

“How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
is laid for your faith in God’s excellent Word!
What more can be said than to you God hath said,
to you who for refuge to Jesus have fled?” ~George Keith (1787)

Lord, attune me to Your voice so it informs and inspires my every choice for Your glory.