Have you ever heard God speak? Not a few words in your head or a feeling in your heart, but have you heard him speak audibly? Have you heard stories of others who have heard God speak audibly to them? What do you think it would sound like?
God still speaks to us today. However, most of us will hear him speak through the Holy Spirit who nudges us through heartfelt feelings to act or an encouragement or phrase that comes to our minds. Very rarely will we hear an audible voice.
When Jesus was baptized, God spoke audibly to Jesus and the others who were there with Him. John the Baptist would have heard God’s voice. The others who had come out to see John would have heard him. Can you imagine what that might have sounded like?
James Earl Jones was regarded as a person who had one of the biggest narrative voices of our time. I love to hear him read the Bible. But I imagine God’s voice being so much bigger. I imagine it sounding like thunder, yet peaceful; it being overpowering, yet comforting.
God declared who Jesus was at His baptism. God also declares who we are at our baptism. We may not audibly hear him speak, but the angels in heaven do. And whether we think so or not, God declares he is well pleased with us. Not because we have achieved something great, but because we have decided to accept his gift.
I pray we all seek to hear God speaking to us. I pray we ask the Holy Spirit to reveal himself to us. I pray each one of us know that God is pleased with our decision to follow His Son, Jesus Christ. Listen for the Holy Spirit to speak. Know that God is pleased with you. God has declared you his child.
Mark 1:9-11 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And just as he was coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens torn apart and the Spirit descending like a dove on him. And a voice came from heaven, “You are my Son, the Beloved; with you I am well pleased.”
Marty Pressey 