September 10 | Hebrews 1:6, Psalm 97:1-9

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DAILY READING

Hebrews 1:6

Psalm 97:1-9

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REFLECTION

Hear and Rejoice

By Beth Voltmann

How often do we listen? In this fast-paced world, we go, go, go – talk, talk, talk – do, do, do. Lately, I am trying to learn to listen for God’s voice. Isn’t it amazing that we can use our sense of sight as we read God’s Word or gaze upon his Creation, and his Spirit can stir our sense of hearing to actually recognize his voice and respond? He has given us ears to hear and eyes to see so that we might understand with our hearts and turn to Jesus. (Matthew 13:15)

God has spoken throughout the Old and New Testaments to declare Jesus as the Messiah.

The first chapter of Hebrews emphasizes God’s voice proclaiming the superiority of his firstborn over the angels. “He says, ‘Let all God’s angels worship him.’” (v. 6)

In Psalm 97 we read:

“The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all peoples see his glory...Zion hears and rejoices and the villages of Judah are glad because of your judgements, LORD. For you, LORD, are the Most High over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods.” (vv. 6, 8-9)

Like the angels, may we hear and fall before Jesus in worship.

Like Zion, may we hear and rejoice - Jesus is exalted!

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11)

Stop and listen. Can you hear God’s voice? He speaks through his Word and Spirit, through prayer, and even other believers. May we learn to listen with all of our senses, and may our hearts burst forth in spontaneous praise as we hear.

“This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him” (Luke 9:35)

Find a quiet place today where you can be in God’s presence and seek him. It may be difficult at first to hear him speaking, but the more you spend time in his Word and in prayer, you will sense his still, small voice whispering comfort, peace, forgiveness, and healing to your heart. Hear and rejoice!

PRAYER

Lord, like the angels, the Israelites, and the disciples of old, may we hear your voice proclaiming our Messiah and fall on our knees in worship, filled with joy and awe. Amen.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

BETH VOLTMANN

After moving to Ohio in 1997 with my husband and four children, I developed a hunger for God’s Word through adult teaching and women’s Bible study at UALC. My passion is to help others understand Scripture so that they may grow in their desire for more of God and experience the new life offered to us through Christ Jesus.