THE GOD WHO SPEAKS IN THE THUNDER
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Job 37:1-5
Key Verse: “God thundereth marvellously with His voice; great things doeth He, which we cannot comprehend.” — Job 37:5 (KJV)
Supporting Texts: Psalm 29:3-4, Exodus 19:16-19, John 12:28-29, Revelation 10:3-4
INTRODUCTION:
Throughout Scripture, the thunderous voice of God symbolises His divine power, majesty, and authority. When God speaks in thunder, it is not just a display of nature’s force but a revelation of His presence and might. Thunder becomes a divine instrument to announce His will and remind humanity of His supremacy over creation.
In the days of Moses, when God descended upon Mount Sinai, His voice was heard in thunder and lightning. The people trembled, realising that they stood before the Almighty whose words shake both heaven and earth. Even in the New Testament, when God affirmed Jesus as His Son, some said it had thundered; a testimony to the power that accompanies divine communication.
Today, God still “speaks in the thunder.” While we may not always hear audible thunder, He uses powerful moments and circumstances to get our attention, shake off our complacency, and draw us into deeper reverence and obedience.
1. GOD’S VOICE IN THE THUNDER REVEALS HIS POWER
When God speaks in thunder, He demonstrates His unmatched authority over all creation and situations.
a) God’s voice commands nature (Psalm 29:3-4)
The psalmist declares that the voice of the Lord is upon the waters; it is powerful and full of majesty. Thunder reminds us that God rules the forces of nature.
b) God’s voice shakes the earth (Exodus 19:16-18)
When God descended on Mount Sinai, His voice in thunder caused the mountain to tremble. God’s voice moves mountains and nations alike.
c) God’s voice silences the proud (Job 37:2-4)
Elihu recognised that when God speaks through thunder, all human arrogance fades away. No one can stand proudly before the thunderous voice of the Creator.
d) God’s voice commands obedience (Psalm 46:6)
The nations are moved and the earth melts at His voice. Thunder reminds us that His commands must be obeyed without question.
Biblical Example: When God spoke to Saul of Tarsus on the road to Damascus, those around him heard a sound like thunder, revealing the power of God’s voice that brought about a total transformation (Acts 9:3-6).
2. GOD SPEAKS IN THE THUNDER TO REVEAL HIS PRESENCE
Thunder often accompanies divine encounters to signify that God is near.
a) God manifests His presence in power (Exodus 19:19)
The thunder at Sinai was a visible sign of the Lord’s glory descending among His people. His presence was unmistakable.
b) Thunder draws attention to divine revelation (John 12:28-29)
When God spoke from heaven affirming Jesus, the crowd said it thundered. God used thunder to mark moments of spiritual importance.
c) Thunder prepares hearts for worship and fear of God (Psalm 97:3-5)
The lightning and thunder around God’s throne inspire reverence and awe in those who behold Him.
d) Thunder reminds us of God’s holiness (Revelation 4:5)
From the throne proceed lightnings and thunders; a clear picture of God’s perfect holiness and unapproachable light.
Biblical Example: When God appeared to Job out of the whirlwind and thunder (Job 38:1), His presence silenced Job’s complaints and revealed His greatness.
3. GOD SPEAKS IN THE THUNDER TO WARN AND CORRECT HIS PEOPLE
Sometimes the thunder of God’s voice comes as a warning to turn hearts back to Him.
a) God’s voice calls for repentance (1 Samuel 12:17-19)
When Israel sinned by asking for a king, God sent thunder and rain to rebuke their disobedience.
b) God’s thunder exposes sin (Amos 1:2)
The Lord roars from Zion like thunder to expose injustice and rebellion among His people.
c) God’s thunder humbles the proud (Job 26:14)
His thunderous acts remind us that we know only a small part of His power, enough to humble every heart.
d) God’s thunder restores spiritual alignment (Psalm 29:9)
The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness and brings transformation, aligning us again with His divine order.
Biblical Example: At Mount Carmel, when Elijah prayed and fire fell from heaven, followed by rain and thunder, the people repented and confessed, “The Lord, He is God!” (1 Kings 18:38-39).
4. GOD SPEAKS IN THE THUNDER TO BRING DELIVERANCE AND JUDGEMENT
The thunder of God is both a sound of victory for His people and a sound of terror to His enemies.
a) Thunder confuses the enemy (1 Samuel 7:10)
When Samuel prayed, God thundered against the Philistines and gave Israel victory.
b) Thunder announces divine judgement (Revelation 16:18)
In the end times, thunders and earthquakes will accompany the judgement of God upon the earth.
c) Thunder reveals God’s justice (Psalm 18:13-14)
God thunders from heaven to defend the righteous and bring retribution upon the wicked.
d) Thunder brings assurance of divine intervention (Job 36:33)
The thunder declares the presence of His hand in battle, assuring His people that He is fighting for them.
Biblical Example: During the battle of Joshua against the Amorites, God cast down great hailstones from heaven accompanied by thunder, showing His power to fight for His people (Joshua 10:10-11).
CONCLUSION:
The God who speaks in the thunder is not silent in our generation. His voice still calls us to reverence, obedience, and transformation. The thunder of His voice reminds us that He reigns supreme over all creation, and nothing can resist His command.
Let us therefore listen attentively to His voice, whether it comes through Scripture, the Holy Spirit, or divine circumstances. When God speaks, He expects our response in faith and obedience. Those who fear His voice will experience His power, protection, and presence in every area of life.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, let Your voice thunder over every situation of my life.
2. Father, silence every strange voice speaking against my destiny.
3. O Lord, speak powerfully into my life and command transformation.
4. Lord, reveal Your glory and presence in my life through Your mighty voice.
5. Every power resisting Your word in my life, be broken by the thunder of God.
6. Father, use Your voice to expose and destroy every hidden work of darkness.
7. Lord, let Your voice bring direction and clarity to my confusion.
8. Father, thunder from heaven against every adversary of my progress.
9. Lord, let Your voice bring revival and renewal in my spirit.
10. God of power, let Your thunder bring victory in every battle of my life.
