GOD SPEAKS TO HIS PEOPLE
Exodus 3:1–5, 11–15; 4:28–31
One of the many joys I am blessed to witness as a pastor is the arrival of newborns into loving, Christian homes. The overwhelming emotions of the young parents and grandparents are beyond words.
Before long, that baby will begin to grow and change at a rapid rate. The parents will be ecstatic when the child takes his or her first steps. In addition to walking, a child’s first words are a reason to celebrate. Whether it’s “Mama” or “Daddy,” the sound of a baby speaking can make anyone smile.
When was the last time you thanked God that He chooses to speak to us? How quickly do we rejoice when we hear from Him? In His wonderful grace, God reaches out to us through the Holy Spirit, the Bible, prayer, other people and even our circumstances to communicate with us. This intentional act of revelation is cause for us to seek Him consistently in our journey of faith.
God initiates the conversation with us. (3:1–5)
How wonderful it is when we see an old friend we haven’t spoken to in years. The conversation is effortless and even therapeutic. On a much grander and rewarding scale, revisit the times when God has spoken to you.
Moses was in the middle of nowhere working a thankless job tending his father-in-law’s sheep on an ordinary day, and God chose to speak to him through an extraordinary display in a burning bush. While each of us will not have a burning bush moment like Moses, it is important to note that when God speaks to us, we are wise to pay attention.
We must acknowledge God’s voice. (11–15)
When you spend time with God, you will be changed. It could be that you go to Him in repentance and leave renewed and forgiven. You may commune with Him in prayer for wisdom, and He provides the discernment you need.
When God speaks, we will desire to praise and thank Him. Moses had been given instructions and wanted to know the name he should reference. God replied, “I AM WHO I AM.” He is the almighty sovereign Lord, and His voice cannot be mistaken once it is heard. Good friends and a pastor are a blessing to hear from when you need counsel, but only the voice of God can give us the words that penetrate the heart and save the soul.
We must respond to what God says to us. (4:28–31)
God reveals so that we may share His words with others. Moses not only heard what God told him but he also heeded. We have the greatest news in the world and a lost world that desperately needs to hear it.
Our response and action are essential for the fulfillment of the Great Commission and personal obedience. Each day when you wake up, you have two tremendous opportunities. One is to hear the voice of God, and the other is to obey what He tells you to do. We should be thankful God does not leave us in the dark or prevent us from hearing Him. God will reveal to you what He wants you to hear. Are you listening and seeking Him each day? Quiet your heart, listen and obey.
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
