How do we hear God’s voice when God calls us? Would we even recognize it as God speaking to us? We have so many voices coming at us daily, all claiming to be “the Voice of God.”
“God wants you to donate your life savings to support this ministry.”
“God wants America to be great again.”
“God wants…”
The truth is that what these voices say God wants is what they want, and it usually has little to do with God. Yet people listen to these voices and follow without question, because someone they believe is trustworthy said this particular action is what God wants. Because I said so, that’s why. Because I said so, and I am God’s messenger.
And who are these people, preaching at us about what they want us to believe God wants? Who are these self-appointed authorities, who claim they know the word and will of God?
I think they’re like the Old Testament priests. The role of priests was an important one to the Israelites. They represented the people, intervening before God and offering sacrifices to atone for the people’s sins. But they were not themselves without sin. They were flawed. Their authority was a human construct. The people didn’t realize that the guys who were supposed to be their representatives to God were committing the same sins they were. They trusted the priests. And when a priest died, his work as mediator would cease.
Melchizedek was not a priest of Israel, as that nation did not exist yet. He was not a priest because he was born into it. He was a priest because God called him to service. But he was not the Son of God.
Only Jesus is.
Jesus is both priest and king. He is eternal, while the traditional priesthood was not. Jesus did not appoint himself a high priest. He was, however, appointed by God. He is our mediator, but also our sacrifice. Death does not interrupt His work. Resurrection means that Jesus remains our eternal High Priest.
I don’t know how to silence all the racket of people who claim to be God’s voice on their own authority. I just don’t listen to them.
And I wait for the voice I trust.
A happily retired middle school teacher, Julie Arndt is a fan of all things literary, “Star Trek,” Harry Potter, the Beatles, and country music. She enjoys road trips with her husband, Robert, a reference librarian at the University of North Carolina-Pembroke. Julie and Robert are members of St. Mark’s, Lumberton, where both are active members. Julie produces the weekly newsletter and a monthly newsletter for the Sandhills conference of NC WELCA.
To Consider
Whose voice do you trust?
How do we know when God is calling us?
Prayer
Dear God, you speak to us at times and in ways and places that we don't expect, and sometimes miss, in this noisy, distracted world. At those times, gently put your hand on our shoulder and whisper our names, that we might listen. In your name, Amen.