God Has Spoken . . .
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 our 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. —Hebrews 1:1-4
God does speak. And you have to sit up and take notice when He does. The author of Hebrews makes this very point in the first chapter: If God has spoken, and He has, then you and I need to make sure we hear what He says AND act on it.
First, the author communicatesthe many ways in which God speaks of Himself.God’s revelation of Himself has come many times in many ways. In other words, there is not one singular means of revelation. In the Old Testament, He revealed Himself through dreams and visions to the prophets. God also “speaks” through His creation. Romans 1:20 says, “For his invisible attributes, namely his external power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.”
The author also says that God has revealed Himself through the spoken and written word, what we call the Bible.The Bible is a collection of sixty-six distinct literary works: narratives, sermons, poetry, songs, letters, history, theology, and laws written by about forty authors or prophets, in three languages, over a span of some 1500 years. Yet it proclaimsa single unified message about how God overcomes our sin and brings us into relationship with Himself.
God also speaks through His Son, Jesus Christ, who is the consummation of all things. John 1:14 says, “And the word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Jesus also said, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me” (John 5:39). All that we are as human beings and as His people makes sense only as we understand the revelation of God in Jesus Christ. And that demands a response from everyone who hears the message and understands it.
So, let’s ask ourselves a few questions: Do you have a relationship with Jesus Christ? Are you giving evidence of that relationship as you experience change in your life day by day as a result of listening to what God is saying?
God has spoken. Are you hearing what He saying?—Todd Dugard
Journal:
· To what extent am I committed to hearingfrom God each day?
· Do I dig deeply into my pastor’s message to know not only its content, but also its application?
· Am I devoted to understanding the Word and living it out each day?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, You speak all the time, in sunrises and sunsets, through Your people around me, but mostly through Your Word. Help me to hear You, Lord. Forgive me when I ignore what You are trying to tell me about Yourself. I want to understand Your Word and live it out so others will see You through me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
