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John 7:46, "The
officers answered, Never man spake like this man."
This morning, there are many that have heard things that touched them, seen
things that moved them, and felt things that pricked them. However, all natural,
sensory feelings are not worthy to be compared with the feeling that comes from
the voice of God. To the unregenerate, the voice of God brings life and a vital
union into His family. To the regenerate walking circumspectly in this world,
the voice of God brings
peace to the soul while sojourning in this low ground of sin and sorrow. The
voice of God does what no preacher's voice can ever do. The preacher can be
blessed to speak in power and demonstration of the Spirit, but the direct voice
of God is totally beyond full understanding of its power, grace, mercy, peace,
and joy. This voice passes all understanding. However, we can still rejoice in
the effect of it.
On this particular occasion, there were some soldiers sent by the Pharisees to
take and secure the man Jesus Christ. The Pharisees' goal was to keep the
multitude from hearing His preaching and following after Him. Their ultimate aim
was to keep their seats and places at the synagogues, and they were afraid that
Christ would take away the preeminence that they had with the people. So, these
soldiers return from their venture and mission with only the words, "Never man
spake like this man." That is their only account for their failure. The voice of
Jesus Christ kept them from taking Him prisoner. The voice of Jesus
Christ made people wonder "at the gracious words that proceeded out of His
mouth." The difference between our Lord's voice and any other voice or sound in
the world is that His voice has power behind it.
It is important
for us to consider that there is a difference between power and volume. There
are a lot of preachers that have great speaking ability as far as volume and
decibel level goes. However, power can
come without volume. Our Lord does, from time to time, speak in a still, small
voice. However, this voice is not weak by any stretch of the imagination. It
has the same power that the voice that said, "Saul, Saul why persecutest thou
me?" (Acts 9:4) has. The power is the same because the source is the same. Now,
the power that this voice has is so great that it can frame the worlds into
existence. It can bring both natural and spiritual life by purpose and design.
An example of each would be the raising of Lazarus from the dead and the
regeneration of the child of God. This voice has such power that even death
cannot stand in its way. Also, this voice is so powerful that when all around
us seems to fall apart and decay, we are given moments of sweet repose, peace,
and comfort.
When we lose
loved ones and friends that we hold dear, the voice of God speaks and says that
it is but a moment of light affliction. We will see our loved ones again in far
better and greater condition. Truly, there has never been nor ever will be a man
that could speak like our dear Saviour. When He speaks, it is done. What he
purposes, He does. His word will not return again unto Him void. What a blessing
it was to those who were able to hear Him! However, what a blessing it is today
to be able to feel after Him when He speaks! He is not very far from any of His
children, but the blessing is in feeling that presence and hearing His voice.
What a wonderful day it will be when we will feel, hear, and see Him with our
eyes and not another’s.
In Hope,
Bro Philip
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