If God spoke, would we recognize his voice? Years ago a famous preacher announced God had told him to do something. A reporter asked him if God’s voice was audible. “No. It was louder than that,” the preacher explained. The Bible confirms God speaks to people. He spoke to prophets at many times and various ways. In these last days, the writer of Hebrews says, he has spoken through Jesus.
God’s voice sounds like Jesus’ words. In the opening of what looks more like a sermon than a letter, the writer of Hebrews centers his words and our thoughts in Jesus. Why should we listen to Jesus? He is the alpha and the omega. He stands as both the agent of creation and the heir of all things. Jesus shows us the radiant outshining of God’s presence. When he was transfigured, his Father said, “Listen to him.” In fact, Jesus is of one substance with the Father.
Jesus’ words powerfully sustain us in a harsh world. The believers who first received this book of the Bible were beginning to experience persecution. We are called to trust in the sovereignty of God. Jesus has provided purification from sin greater than any human high priest. Now he reigns at the right hand of majesty. While earthly rulers posture for power, Jesus sits supreme and superior to the angels.
Good news: God is still speaking to us through the voice and words of his Son, Jesus. We should listen closely today to the words he spoke. They are indeed louder than audible. Jesus’ words give us life. So there is no need to go anywhere else. Jesus, alone, speaks the words of eternal life. “Beautiful words, powerful words, wonderful words of life.” Today if we hear his voice, let us not harden our hearts.
