The Voice Of Christ

And early in the morning all the people came to him in the temple to hear him.  ~Luke 21:38

There is an eager anticipation in the heart of a disciple of Christ. We long to hear His voice, something to comfort our anxious hearts and to calm our fear. We rise up early and pour ourselves out in prayer; we read and study His Word, our souls laid bare before Him. We long to hear His voice as the people did so long ago. Should we be surprised then when He speaks to us through his Word?

“If you love me, you will keep my commandments.”  ~John 14:15

Our Savior has spoken with clarity and with simplicity. He has spoken in a manner which even a small child may understand. There can be no excuses, no misunderstanding; He has said our love for Him is evident in how we obey Him. What happens when we finally hear His Word? What is our reaction if one of His commandments strikes a nerve and finds an area of disobedience? Do we turn away from Him, covering our sin with lies and excuses? God forbid, not if we are a true disciple!

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.  ~1 John 1:9,10

To hide our sin is a temptation, but there is nothing hidden from our Lord. We confess it, trusting in Him to cleanse us and to strengthen us against it. We must never turn away from His voice, even when He rebukes us, because with the rebuke there is healing and strength. He watches over our souls, after all, we are His sheep...

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”  ~John 10:27

Yes, we hear Him. His voice speaks to us from the Word of God and we know Him. Jesus said not only do His sheep hear His voice, but they follow Him as well. There are two things the voice of Jesus reveals in the lives of His sheep; obedience and disobedience. Are we obedient to His Word? Do we love Him enough to follow? Listen to His voice now and ask yourself one last question. Have I abandoned my own will, picked up the cross, and followed where He has led?

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.”  ~Mark 16:15