God is a great Communicator. From the very beginning of time, He has been speaking. Just notice how often the phrase “God said” appears in Genesis 1. Truly, the universe was created by His powerful Word. Hebrews 11:3 says, “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.”
Then, after creating man, God established communication with him. Even after Adam fell into sin, God came looking for him in the garden and called to him. (Gen. 3:9) And down through the ages, God has been sought to communicate with mankind. Just look at the Scriptures, and you see God speaking – calling people to Himself, guiding and directing. Cain, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Gideon, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel – the list goes on and on.
God even spoke to pagan rulers like Abimelech, Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Cyrus and others. Sometimes this communication was direct. Other times it was through the mouth of prophets, His written Word, or dreams and visions. One time, it was even through the mouth of a donkey!
Scripture tells us that when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son to speak His words and do His works in the world. Hebrews 1:1-2 says: “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;”
Yes, God spoke through His Son – the incarnate Word of God – the Word of God in bodily form. (John 1; Col 1:19). Jesus Christ is the very image of the invisible God – the exact manifestation of His likeness. (Col 1:15, Heb. 1:3) He came to communicate to us what God is like, to bring reconciliation, and to redeem a people for Himself. He demonstrated God’s power, holiness, wisdom, goodness, kindness, compassion, and mercy. He came to heal, forgive, comfort, and deliver mankind from the bondage and effects of sin – to demonstrate grace and truth and to destroy the works of the devil.
This same God Who spoke in creation and down through the ages is still communicating with mankind today. He still speaks through the created world (Romans 1:20), through His written Word, and by His Spirit. He speaks through circumstances, through His people, and even at times through dreams and visions. (Acts 1:17) (I haven’t heard of Him speaking through a donkey in modern times, but hey, He even speaks through me at times, so maybe…!)
Indeed, our Creator is still speaking. His message is the same – “Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth.” “Come to Me and you will find rest.” “Trust in Me and you will be saved.”
During this season, when Christians all over the world celebrate the birth of Jesus, may we hear His voice, humble ourselves, and respond to Him in faith and love.
Lord, give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to believe You. Help us learn to recognize Your voice and respond to Your love. May we turn from our sin and our self-centered ways, and come back to You. Thank You that You sent Jesus to pay our debt and make the way clear so that we might come boldly into Your presence, knowing that we will find love, acceptance, and grace to help in our time of need. We love you, Abba. Amen!
This was published as an article in the November/December 2010 Think and Believe.
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