The Seven Voices Of The Lord

Intro: The Lord speaks to men today by the written word – the Bible. He also speaks silently to the heart of man by the Holy Spirit. We will take a brief look at seven voices of the Lord Jesus Christ found in the NT scriptures.

1. The Shepherd’s Voice (John 10:27)

Follow Me. Follow Him and not walk in darkness (John 8:12). To follow Jesus is to go the same way as He goes – the way that leads to blessing. Follow Jesus and take up your cross. Die to selfishness and put Jesus first in your life.

2. The Master’s Voice (Luke 19:12-13)

Occupy till I Come. The word "occupy" is used in the Bible two times; the first time in Ezek. 27:9. Here in Luke 19:13, it means "to invest, trade and gain profit" till the Master comes. Jesus is coming again. We don’t know when but He will follow His own schedule not ours. Let’s be ready for His return – looking, working, serving, not giving up, and if needed, to suffer for His sake (Rom. 8:17; Col. 3:24).

3. The Saviour’s Voice (Matt. 11:28)

Come unto Me. This means to come closer and find rest. It is a command of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are to give our burdens to Him. Cast your care upon Him. To come to Jesus and learn of Him brings rest - not just a rest from earthly physical work but an inner rest of the soul. This refers to a perfect peace of heart and mind (Isa. 26:3). As we work for the Lord, He will refresh us as we come and follow Him.

4. The Teacher’s Voice (Matt. 11:29)

Learn of Me. Let us be meek and lowly so that we can be teachable. Take His yoke upon us. This tells us that we should bond with Christ and submit to His leadership and authority. It is never a shame to be counted worthy of the name “Christ’s disciple” but a true privilege (II Tim. 2:19)!

5. The Bridegroom’s Voice (John 3:28-30)

The bridegroom has the bride. The saved belong to the Lord because they were bought with a price, the precious blood of Christ on the Cross (I Pet. 1:18-19). He (the Bridegroom-Jesus) must increase in our lives. We need more of Christ and less of self in our earthly lives (Phil. 1:21).

6. The Physician’s Voice (John 5:8-9)

Rise, take up your bed and walk. We are complete in Him (Col. 2:10). He heals the broken – hearted (Luke 4:18). We most often think of a physical healing but there is also the spiritual healing or the "mending" that is needed in a person’s life after a heart-breaking experience.

Let Jesus heal you spiritually and do not dwell on the problems. Give them to Jesus by casting ALL your care upon Him (I Pet. 5:7). Remember, wounds take time to heal and the Great Physician heals broken and wounded lives.

7. The Friend’s Voice (Rev. 3:20)

I will come in to him and will sup with him,. The word "sup" here implies communion between Christ and you. The True Friend knocks and offers his help (Prov. 18:24).

Notice that in this passage we have a local church – the Laodicean Church that has shut Christ out. This church continued to enjoy their goods, riches, traditions, etc. but not Christ’s presence nor His power! They are a powerless congregation just going through the rituals of "religion."

Jesus is knocking at the door of a local church and, as a "Friend", offers to come in "if" any man (just one person) will hear the Lord and open the door to the Lord. This shows His love, mercy, grace and patience toward us.

Conclusion: May we ever follow the voices of the Lord Jesus Christ. If you don’t know Him as personal Lord and Saviour, I beg you to repent of your sins and receive Him. Ask Jesus Christ to forgive you of your sins and by faith ask Him to come into your heart and save you now…