The God Who Speaks
If there is such a thing as a biblical understatement, “God spoke to our ancestors…at many times and in various ways” (Hebrews 1:1) qualifies. Consider the following Old Testament examples.
He spoke to Moses in the burning bush. He spoke to Hezekiah through illness. He spoke to Daniel through dreams. He spoke to Belshazzar by way of a disembodied hand. And my personal favorite, he spoke to Balaam through a donkey!
In the New Testament, we read how he spoke to Mary through an angel. He spoke to Joseph in a dream. He spoke to Peter in a vision.
After highlighting the various ways God speaks, the writer of the book of Hebrews goes on to zero in on God’s greatest and most glorious revelation: Jesus Christ. He was in fact “the Word” incarnate.
But recognizing that, does God still speak in “various ways”? I believe He does. To be sure, we now have the Scriptures as our sounding board. This is made abundantly clear throughout its pages.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105)
“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” (Psalm 119:11)
“Like newborn babes long for the pure, spiritual milk of the word that by it you might grow up in your salvation.” (I Peter 2:2)
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” (II Tim. 3:16)
Does God Still Speak?
I know that there are those who believe that God speaks only through the Bible. It is a view maintained by those who hold a high view of Scripture – as I do. I certainly believe that the Bible is in a category by itself as the inspired Word of God and that the canon is closed.
But could it be that we actually undermine Scripture’s authority when we discredit God’s ability to speak to us now in the same ways He did in the pages of the Bible?
Could it be that we actually undermine Scripture’s authority when we discredit God’s ability to speak to us now in the same ways He did in the pages of the Bible?
The Bible itself declares how God is quite active in His communication beyond the written word.
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” (Psalm 32:8)
“And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, ‘This is the way, walk in it,’ when you turn to the right or when you turn to the left.” (Isaiah 30:21)
“’Whoever is of God hears the words of God. The reason why you do not hear them is that you are not of God.” (John 8:47)
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)
“Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, ‘Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts.’” (Hebrews 3:7)
To believe that God speaks only through the Bible is to handcuff the God of the Bible as the Bible has revealed Him to us.
Yes, Scripture is the ultimate filter of truth. Yes, Scripture provides our checks and balances. Yes, God will never say anything that is contrary to Scripture. But I believe that God still speaks in various ways.
Yes, Scripture is the ultimate filter of truth. Yes, Scripture provides our checks and balances. Yes, God will never say anything that is contrary to Scripture. But I believe that God still speaks in various ways.
He still speaks through promptings, people, and pain. He still speaks through dreams, desires, and discussions. He still speaks through closed doors and divine appointments. He still speaks with a gentle whisper. And wise is the person who “has ears to hear.”
Wise is the person who “has ears to hear.”
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