The Glorious Voice of the Lord
The devil does everything in his power to make his voice heard in this world. At one point he even had the audacity to interrupt Jesus while the Lord was speaking in the synagogue: “Now there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit. And he cried out, saying, ‘Let us alone! What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth?’ … But Jesus rebuked him, saying, ‘Be quiet, and come out of him!’” (Mark 1:23-25).
Satan had only one purpose in mind when he cried out loudly in the voice of the man and that was to send fear through the entire congregation. He wanted every person within the sound of his voice to believe he had power and authority.
Peter warns believers that Satan will come to them with a loud voice, trying to bring fear: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). If Satan is making his voice known in these last days, showing his power to the masses of lost souls, how much more important is it for God’s people to know their Father’s voice? Don’t think for a moment that the Lord is going to sit by and remain silent while Satan roars. Isaiah said, “The Lord will cause His glorious voice to be heard” (Isaiah 30:30).
From Genesis onward through the New Testament, God made his voice known to his people. Jesus used the example of the Good Shepherd: “The sheep hear his voice; and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out … he goes before them; and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Yet they will by no means follow a stranger” (John 10:3-5).
During your time of prayer you may wonder, “How can I distinguish the voice of God? How can I be sure it is God speaking?” One key factor is not to depend on the voice of another person, no matter how much you admire his or her teaching. Go directly to the Lord and commune with him. In his presence, shut in with him alone, you will get to know him — his fragrance, his ways, his heart. And you will learn to know his sweet voice!