If You Hear His Voice

“So, as the Holy Spirit says: “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, during the time of testing in the wilderness, where your ancestors tested and tried me, though for forty years they saw what I did.” (Hebrews 3:7-9)  

The Holy Spirit carries out God’s will, moving His children to follow His leading. He remains unseen, but the voice of Yeshua is heard by His sheep. In Acts 10, we see the unseen Spirit’s leading even as an angel initiated a visit to Cornelius with instructions to send for Peter. This encounter is perhaps the most varied as any, beginning with an angelic visitation (v.3-4) men carrying out direct instructions (v.7-8), a trance/vision (v.10), The Spirit’s direct voice (v.19-20), prophetic confirmation (v.21,33), Spirit led evangelizing message (v.33-43), Spirit coming upon, poured out on hearers (v.45-46), Spiritual gift of tongues in praise imparted and recognized (v.47), baptism (v.48).

All of this does not happen regularly, although some of it is not unusual. It illustrates the work of God among men which can be varied. This was a huge revelation by God to His people, perhaps justifying all these touches by His hand. Old Covenant scriptures prophesied this event when God would pour out His Spirit on all nations/gentiles. (Joel 2:28,29; Isa. 2:2) Yeshua said, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” (Matthew 28:19) 

Some may object to connecting other Scriptures which describe the work and nature of the Spirit with this event, but we cannot put God in a box to say He always does things in a certain way or order, nor that He has ceased doing what He has done and said before. Yeshua is the same forever. (Heb. 13:7) In fact, taking the full counsel of scripture in context is foundational to sound interpretation and application. Our faith is grounded in the indwelling Holy Spirit which is our connection with almighty God. This is critical, “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” (Romans 8:14) We are wrong to resist and quench the Spirit and it is by faith with humility that we follow His voice in our inner being. We can’t even pray or praise and worship properly without Spirit leading/empowering, therefore, we cry out for more of Him, however He decides to speak, move, show, reveal and lead us.