“This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased: hear ye him.” Matthew 17:5
Dear Ones:
If you had the choice of knowingly hearing the voice of men, or the voice of God, which one would you choose to hear? The answer to this question lies in the character, nature, and disposition of the individual speaking. There is also the issue of holiness as opposed to that which is unholy. Along with the issue of the unchangeable, ever-lasting quality of existence of the one speaking, there must be the consideration of the power and authority of that person to BE and to DO what he says. In other words, there is no difference between what he says, and what he is. So, we come back to our question: What voice do we most desire to hear, that of man, or that of God?
There came a time in the life of the Lord Jesus on this earth when, “…from that time forth Jesus began to show his disciples” that He was to go to Jerusalem, suffer, be killed, and be raised again the third day. Prior to all of this occurring, He took Peter, James, and John, with him to what is called by some, “…the mount of transfiguration,” there to be transfigured before them. They would see His face shine like the sun, and his clothing appearing “white as light.” Moses and Elijah would also appear talking with Him. Overwhelmed by the sight, Peter would declare that it was good for him, and the other disciples, to be there, and that they should build three tabernacles, or booths for them. It would be then, after Peter had offered his own thoughts on the subject, that a bright cloud would overshadow them, and there would come a voice out of the cloud saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; HEAR YE HIM.” (Matt. 17:5) Why did God give to these three disciples this vision of Christ being transfigured before them? It was certainly NOT for them to offer any good ideas as to what there response should be, or what they should do. On the contrary, it would be so that they would see clearly what they WERE to do, and that was to “hear” the Lord Jesus, listen to Him. As Peter would respond to Jesus on another occasion, “…to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.” Man does not have the words of eternal life, only God, in Christ. So, who do we desire and choose to hear, the voices of men, or that of God?
In the book of Isaiah, the Lord makes it very clear why we should hear His voice: “So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth: it shall not return unto me void (…or without effect), but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (55:11) Why does the Lord’s word outweigh man’s words in importance and scope? It is because they are born out of perfect wisdom, love, and mercy, a heart of perfect goodness. They are given with a specific purpose. Not one of them is wasted or without intent. In addition, because of His power and authority, nothing shall hinder or withstand the accomplishing of them, for God is Sovereign, the Almighty. The question then becomes for us, “How do I hear His voice, know His will, and trust Him for the accomplishment of it?”
The first thing to do is to ask the Lord for “wisdom,” as He is the source of true wisdom. We are called to believe that He is desirous to GIVE wisdom freely, not upbraiding or criticizing us for asking. (1:5) It is imperative that we come to Him, KNOWING and BELIEVING that He will give wisdom because of His promise: “…it shall be given him.”(Ja.1:5)
The second thing that we must believe is that the Spirit of God has been given to us, to “teach us ALL things,” (Jn. 14:26) It is as we wholly rely upon Him, that God will speak.
Dear Father, Make us to hear Thy voice, responding wholly to Your word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad