Silence and Stillness before God (2 minutes)
Scripture Reading
Matthew313:-17
“Then Jesus went from Galilee to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. But John tried to talk him out of it. “I am the one who needs to be baptized by you,” he said, “so why are you coming to me?”But Jesus said, “It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires.” So John agreed to baptize him. After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and settling on him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.”
Devotional
Jesus was continually in conversation with the Father. At times the Father’s voice became public. Three examples are Jesus’ baptism, Jesus’ transfiguration and prior to the last supper. Sometimes the audible sound was understood by others and sometimes people mistook it for thunder or as an angel.
The message of each of those occurrences affirmed His love for His son. “This is my son in whom I am well pleased” and the affirmation that He will glorify his name. Jesus said, “this voice was for your benefit not mine” His communion with the Father was complete but our union is broken. Jesus’ identity was secure while we long to hear the words of our Father saying we are known, we are heard, we are loved, we are His, and that His word is true.
Have you heard an audible voice of God? It’s probably safe to assume that most of us have not. Many experience God’s voice but it is seldom a voice. This subject is difficult to navigate and requires much thought. Sounds from all around us call for our attention. They long to declare their message and write it on our hearts. We are reminded of the promise of the Holy Spirit, the spirit of truth, that will come to you to testify about Jesus (John 15:26).
Question to Consider
In which ways am I “crowding out” the voice of the Father?
Prayer
Father, you spoke us into being. Your word brings life and love. Show us how to bring life and love with our words. Forgive us for our ears that won’t hear. Please open the ears of our hearts so we can hear your voice. Thank you for your Holy Spirit so we can have your guidance, your comfort, and most of all, the nearness of your presence.
Conclude with Silence (2 minutes)
The 40 days of decrease blogs have been inspired by the book “40 Days of Decrease” by Alicia Britt Chole.
Expressions from Summerside Community Church 