Introduction: "The Voice" is my favorite talent TV shows, especially on blind audition when its based on the voice only, and not their appearance. "The Voice of Freedom" was a radio program that made its way to the Communist European countries during WW II, but was muffled by the communists because it stood for freedom. Our GPS's like to talk and drive us crazy with the words, "Go back! . . . recaluating. . go back! Or I remember the E.F. Hutton commercial, "When EF Hutton speaks, people listen! The importance of a VOICE!
How many people can you name that when they spoke, we listened? A commander, a president, a teacher, a doctor, a preacher? Or our spouse, or parent, or grandparent? The voice comes in different ways . . loud, or silent, long or brief, . . . joy or sadness. . . or anger. . or wise or stupid. . . it has made people famous with their speeches or with singing or as actors.. . Clint Eastwood,,,,"Go ahead, make my day!" It can say "Good morning! or "shut up!"
The Voice can be your phone, or your radio, or TV! The voice can away "what's on your mind?" Or, it can be as the Bible describes GOD, as the voice of God as in Pslams 29. The voice of God is over the waters, and the thunder. The voice of God breaks the cedars, and the earth shakes. (verse 7) But also we are in return to "Lift up our voices in praise!" We are to not only listen to His voice but we are to OBEY His voice!" (Deut. 27:10) Sometimes, God's voice would be silent or Job said "God's voice was like a mighty storm that could be heard. (Job 37:5)
John the Baptist was called "The Voice crying in the wilderness!" No one compares to the voice of Jesus! Briefly He said, "Come, unto me!" saying it with his tender-heartedness. He said to his scared disicples in a boat, Don't be afraid, I is I!" and calmed the seas. He said, "Consider the lilies how they grow" teaching wisdom the lillies.
He said, "I will make you fishers of men"" saying that he can change a life for the good. The people around him described his teaching as "Amazing1"
When the religious leaders were speaking of the OT, and Moses, Jesus said, "But I say unto you!, you will now hear the voice of God!" A man came to Jesus with evil spirits, and Jesus asked him, "What do you want from me? The man said, "Have you come to destroy me?" Jesus had the power by His voice to destroy the evil spirits and He did!
The Voice of Jesus, then is convincing, powerful, full of wisdom, and challenging to everyone who listens. It full of grace and truth and love! His Voice gives us peace and joy and hope of eternal life. As the Good Shepherd says, His sheep hears his voice only and follows Him.
CONCLUSION: Jimmy Swaggart sings a song about the voice of Jesus, "I heard the voice of Jesus say, "Come unto Me and rest.... Lay down thou weary one, lay down Thy head upon my breast" I came to Jesus as I was, Weary and worn and sad: I found Him a resting place . . . And He has made me glad!" Amen and Amen.
Provided By: Larry L. Vollink, retired chaplain/pastor; Cedar Springs, MI lawrenceV@comcast.net (616) 655-4129
