God Speaks

Last updated Mar 30, 2012 by Matt

Long ago God spoke to the fathers by the prophets at different times and in different ways. In these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son. . .  (Hebrews 1:1-2a, HCSB)

How often have you heard someone say, “God told me . . .”? How many times have you said something similar? Too often we speak without considering the implications of what we are saying. Did God really speak to me? In an audible voice? Through a sign? The first few verses of the epistle of Hebrews help us understand how God has spoken and how he speaks today.

The author of Hebrews (the author) begins by stating that God has spoken in piecemeal through several means. Indeed, one can look through the pages of the Old Testament and see numerous instances where God spoke to his people: (1) Moses through a burning bush (Exod 3), (2) Balaam through a donkey (Num 22:22ff), (3) David through the prophet Nathan (2 Sam 7:4ff), and (4) Hezekiah through the prophet Isaiah (Isa 37). These instances occurred over the course of several hundred years.

In Jesus Christ, however, we have the complete revelation of God. If we have the complete revelation of God in Christ, then God no longer needs to reveal himself in the way he did in the past. Christ is the logos, the very Word of God (John 1). In the incarnation, we see God (John 14:9). The words recorded in the Scriptures—both Old and New Testament—are the words of Jesus Christ.

Is it imprecise to say, “God told me,” implying that God gave some special revelation? Perhaps. Later words in Hebrews assert that the Bible speaks today (Heb 4:12). To be sure, God the Spirit uses the Word to convict, reproof, and teach (2 Tim 3:16).

As you read and meditate on the Word today, trust that God’s word is sufficient. There is no need for a special word from God. God completed his revelation to humanity through the Lord Jesus Christ. May the Lord find you listening to his Son!