Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Listen to the Word

When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority... (Matthew 7:28-29)

How can we recognize God’s voice? We want him to speak to us. But how can we know that what we hear is coming from him? Dallas Willard observes that God’s voice has some distinguishing marks. The first mark is its quality: God speaks with authority. In Matthew 7, we read that what blew people away about Jesus’ teaching was that he spoke with authority. God does not have to argue or try to convince; he simply speaks, and his words have an unmistakable weight and impact that incline us to obey. The second mark of God’s voice is its spirit: God speaks with a spirit of love, peace, and joy. The third mark of God’s voice is its content: His words are always consistent with Biblical truth and the example of Jesus.

Just as it is with human voices, the more time you spend in conversation with God, the more natural it will become to recognize his voice.

Live the Word

The next time you open your Bible, read the words as a personal letter from God to you. Ask him to speak to you through what you read.