Hearing His Voice #199

We never stop thanking God that when you received his message from us, you didn’t think of our words as mere human ideas. You accepted what we said as the very word of God—which, of course, it is.

1 Thessalonians 2:13

Paul, speaking not only for himself but also for Silas and Timothy, was aware that their words weren’t entirely their own. They were expressed in their own style and speech patterns, according to their distinct personalities, but the message itself was from God. These were not human ideas coming out of the mouths of these men. They were the very words of the Father. And the listeners in Thessalonica were somehow able to recognize that.

Few audiences today will recognize any divine origin behind human words. We’re far too sophisticated and skeptical for that. We may acknowledge that a message is consistent with God’s Word, but can we accept that it might actually be the very words of God? Most of us are far too suspicious of personalities and motives to hear God’s voice through a human mouth. Yet God’s own Word has made it clear that people are able to represent His voice.

We are right to be discerning, but wrong when discernment turns to blanket skepticism. We overestimate God’s work in people when we elevate them to some false ideal of holiness and perfection, but we underestimate His work when we assume that the words of people filled with the Holy Spirit are only human words. He speaks through human mouthpieces. He fills hearts with truth. He inspires thoughts and messages and even specific words. We’re fond of seeing ourselves as His hands and feet in this world, so it’s only logical that we can hear ourselves and others as His voice. That voice must always be measured by His previously revealed truth, but if it’s from God, it will measure up well. We can accept the proven words of His servants.

God of truth, You know how to express Yourself through flawed human beings and fill us with Your Spirit in order to communicate. Help me see Your mind and heart in everyone who speaks Your truth.