Hebrews 1:1-2

Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe.

These opening verses of the letter to the Hebrews declare that God has always spoken to people. He did it in the Old Testament as he spoke through the prophets and then in the New Testament through his Son, Jesus. It is good for us to stop and reflect on the fact that he didn’t have to speak. He could have chosen to create humankind and leave us alone. He could have looked at what a mess people made of the world and decided to remain silent. But he didn’t. His choice was to communicate and before taking a closer look at this wonderful letter we should stop for a moment and praise God that his desire is to communicate with us.

In the Old Testament God spoke through the prophets in various ways. Often the communication was in the form of words, but on many occasions it was through dramatic actions, such as when Jeremiah wore an ox yoke to demonstrate the nature of the oppression that the people would experience under King Nebuchadnezzar. Jesus’ ministry, too, not only embraced wonderful teaching but also many actions which showed his compassion and love – culminating in his death on the cross.

God is still speaking today – are we listening? Are we willing to set aside our self-centredness and pride and allow the voice of God to challenge, nourish and strengthen us? That’s an important question for all of us, but perhaps particularly for those who have been Christians for a long time. It’s very easy to think that because we know the Bible stories and have received good teaching over many years, that we have nothing new to learn. But the truth is, we need to be listening for the voice of God every day, and be willing to let it change our lives.

Question

In what ways has God spoken to you recently?

Prayer

Lord God, I praise you that you are a God who speaks. Thank you for the ways in which you speak directly into my life day by day. Amen