Wednesday, February 06, 2008

It is a Fearful Thing to Hear the Voice of God

I wonder how often I flip through the channels and come to view a segment of the religious programs. I also wonder how frequently the self proclaimed apostles, bishops, pastors, evangelists, and prophets claim to have received a word from the Lord. Whether they received their definitive message in a dream, vision, prompting, or audible voice, I wonder how frequently this claim is made.

4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make three tabernacles here, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!” 6 When the disciples heard this, they fell face down to the ground and were terrified. 7 And Jesus came to them and touched them and said, “Get up, and do not be afraid.” (Matthew 17:4-7)
I am continually amazed by the revealed Word of God. I find it amazing that virtually every time that a sinful man is accosted with the voice of God or is found to be in the presence of God, the reaction of the person is one of fear or terror. Whether it is the shepherds visitation by the angels, Isaiah’s vision where he has his tongue burned with a coal, or the disciples on the mountain where God proclaims His pleasure with His son, their reactions are all of fear, dread, terror, or a complete awareness of his own sinfulness in the presence of a holy God. And if that realization doesn’t bring about a terrified reaction, then nothing will.

If we doubt these preachers for no other reason, and there are many plain reasons that should make us wary, we should have our doubts because of the flippant and casual way with which many seem to refer to their encounters with God and their messages from Him.


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