“God, who at various times and in various ways, spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us through His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds.” Hebrews 1: 1-2

Harken

As I gaze out my windows, I see the hills embracing Redding. The longer I have looked upon these familiar hills, the dearer they have become to me. I note their stately beauty and their quiet but strong presence on the horizon. I have watched their understated changes through each passing season. Their beauty remains to greet me every morning as I look to the hills. They are stable and sure; they do not move or crumble. They stand strong overlooking this city, bringing me a sense of peace and stability. They remind me of God for, like David, I can say, “I will lift up my eyes to the hills. From whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2). These hills are His creation speaking to me of who He is.

Through these same windows I watch each sunrise and sunset. They are sometimes gentle, simple, and quite subtle. Other times they are vibrant, resplendent, and magnificent. These, too, are God’s handiwork. He is speaking to me of His artistry. Through them I recognize His ordered plans for His creation. Not once has sunrise failed to dawn or sunset forgotten to fall. I see His wisdom and His faithfulness in each day marked by sunrise and sunset. God speaks to us in creation. Every nation and every people have this testimony.

Yet God speaks to us not only in creation, but in the testimony of our spiritual fathers and mothers. Have you heard their stories? Perhaps it is the witness of a dear grandmother who tells of how God has met her time and again, or the story of a co-worker who has been rescued by God’s grace. It may be the testimony of a Billy Graham, or a Sunday School teacher, or the writings of A.W. Tozer. These have tasted of God and found that He is good and that His word is true. They are not making it up. They are not lying. God is real and He is near.

And then there is the testimony God has given us in Scripture. He has gone to great lengths to write it all down for us throughout the ages.  “For prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (1 Peter 1:2).

Eleven apostles were martyred. They believed the God they had seen, and heard, and touched to such an extent that they willingly laid down their lives. Not one wavered. This faith we hold is not a legend or a fairy tale. This is written truth that stands through time without end.

God speaks. Jesus showed us who God was. Jesus revealed the heart and character of God. Jesus demonstrated God’s love for man in a perfect sacrifice. God’s justice was satisfied and we were made acceptable in the Beloved.

God has spoken and is speaking. I pray we hear His whisper to our soul and His voice in the thunder. I pray we believe with unshakeable faith. I pray we will tell our own story and God will speak again—even through us.

“Father, thank You for this revelation of love and grace poured out to us. Thank You for Your Son and our Lord—Jesus. Thank You for Your Spirit who whispers Your counsel to our souls. We love You now and forever. Give us ears to hear what You would speak. To the glory of Your great name, Amen.”