September 11

---

For those who dwell in Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they did not know Him, nor even the voices of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath, have fulfilled them in condemning Him. Acts 13:27

---

🔊 Paul here speaks of hearing the voices of the prophets. He is referring to the majesty and authority that was evident as soon as the prophets spoke. Even though they were rejected and persecuted, yet even their enemies could not escape the sense of God that came through the prophets’ voices. It is the same for us who now read the pages of the New Testament. Through them speaks the matchless voice of the Son of God in loving, tender entreaty, and with the underlying note of absolute authority. Reading the Bible is an adventure once we realise that it is not like a flat picture on a wall, but like a window through which breezes blow and music floats. This is because the Author is present with us to make the words come alive with the right tones of voice. Think of reading a book by an author whose voice you know. It might be a preacher or a politician, but as you read, your interest is increased because you can hear the author’s voice. The Holy Spirit is not just the author of the Bible, He is ever-present as we read, to make it come alive. This is not our imagination – it is the touch of God that comes in a unique way through the Scripture. We need to read with faith and let the voice of the Scripture strike a note in us. The Lord’s voice comes with the impartation of the Holy Spirit, in creative life and power in our hearts. God is closer than we think and His voice is sounding more than we ever realise. If we will only stop listening to the chatter of our own hearts, we will catch the life-giving voice of God speaking every day.