Chapter 5
Some have said that I do not speak in any manner, whether directly or indirectly, in prayer or otherwise. But I am here to tell you that I have spoken, continue to speak, and will speak until I come again in glory to take my flock to be with Me in eternity. Have you forgotten that my Word created? Have you forgotten that my Word became flesh and dwelt among us all? (John 1:14) Have you forgotten that I have continually spoken through my mouthpieces?
I chose to speak through agents that I call prophets (Hebrew nabi). My method of speaking to these men and women came in a variety of forms. In some cases, I chose to speak to them in dreams, in some cases in poetry, and also in unusual circumstances. Repeatedly I spoke to remind My called people of their allegiance to Me; and in turn, my covenant to go with them and destroy their enemies. Unfortunately, they did not heed My warnings through My messengers.
Many of my prophets have written books that contain My conversations with each of them – including a prophesy resulting in the Israelites failure to heed My Word. For example, the great prophet Isaiah has details of My conversation with him regarding Israel’s coming judgment for their oppressive practices and rebellion. But I also brought “comfort” (Isaiah 40:1) by way of a “suffering servant” (Isaiah 53) who would come and save them from destruction. My last written prophet of old is Malachi who once again reminded My people to recommit abiding by My laws, having forgotten their treatment by the Babylonians.
And then came The Prophet, My Son, the Messiah. His way was prepared by John the Baptist who reminded his audience to “Prepare the way for the LORD, make straight paths for Him…and all mankind will see God’s salvation.” (Luke 3:4-6, paraphrased). And yes, I also spoke directly with My Son on many an occasion, especially through His prayers.
When My Son’s work of salvation was complete, I called Him home to sit at my right hand. I did not leave My followers alone. I promised to send My Holy Spirit to continue to guide them in preaching the Good News to the ends of the earth. And so today, I continue to speak to anyone who calls on My Name. I will answer them in due season. I also speak through called servants (“pastors are underservants of Jesus Christ”) as they have been instructed in My Word. Have I made Myself clear? I have spoken, I speak presently, and I will speak in the future until that grand and glorious Day when I return in all glory.
From God to Me:
When I think about God speaking to me, my mind spins in a whirlwind-like motion. There are so many examples that leap into my head all at the same time. But as I look out my office window, I see His wonderful creation that was spoken in a six-day event. Not only did He create but also a method by which creation is sustained. The psalmists write of God’s great creation and how it too speaks back to its Creator in perfect harmony. For example, just listen to Psalm 33:5-9 paraphrased, “…the earth is full of His unfailing love. By the Word of the Lord were the heavens made…by the breath of his mouth…For He spoke, and it came to be.” There are a number of other Psalms that reflect His praise about His creation. (Ps 8:1; 19:1; 24:1-2; 65:9ff; 74:16; 89:11; 95:4-6; 102:25; 104 various; 121:1; 136:4-9; 139:14)
God spoke to me in my Baptism, when coupled with ordinary water, His Word gave me a rebirth in faith by the gift of His Spirit. (May 27, 1945) His Spirit has carried me along the paths of righteousness these four-score years.
God speaks to me in His Word as I open the Holy Bible and read the inspired Word of God. Listen! “Blessed Lord, who caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning: Grant us so to hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that we may embrace and ever hold fast the blessed hope of everlasting life, which you have given us in our Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.” (The Collect appointed for a Sunday closest to November 16) Yes, may we hear, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them.
God also speaks to me through other people in my ordinary walk in life. For some, it is a brief moment and for others, a lifetime of friendship. Keeping close to my LORD is made possible by fellow believers who also walk in faith (not by sight).
Finally, God speaks to me in prayer. Listen to David’s words in Psalm 139, “Before a word is on my tongue, you know it completely, O LORD.” Prayer is a privilege conversation between my God and me, and all believers. Nothing is too great or too small for Him. As I close this blog, say (or sing) this wonderful hymn with me. (LSB 770:1)
What a Friend we have in Jesus,
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!
O what peace we often forfeit,
O what needless pain we bear,
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!
May the God of all grace and mercy, continue to speak to you in your walk with Him. Just listen!
Peace
Connected in Him, I stand
GHR
