Press the arrow to listen to Nicole Mullen sing “My Redeemer Lives” while reading today’s devotion.
Use a daily Bible reading plan.
Scripture
At daybreak Jesus went out to a solitary place. The people were looking for him and when they came to where he was, they tried to keep him from leaving them. But he said, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.” Luke 4:42-43
Observation
Jesus had lived a busy day, with many people, too many invitations and constant conversation. But behind all the voices there was a background hum of another voice speaking to him. Like the electronic noises of stereo speakers that are heard only in the silence between songs on a CD, in the same way, during little gaps of conversation, Jesus could detect his Father’s voice speaking to him. The message was unclear, but the voice was unmistakable.
He stayed with the party, but after he was refreshed with a night’s sleep and there was the early morning space from people, Jesus took time alone and remote to hear the voice speak again. This time the message was as clear as the sound of the voice. There were orders waiting for him to go on to other towns.
Application
In any given day, in the midst of buoyant conversations, I sense a voice calling me aside with thoughts other than everyone else is sharing. I can ignore those nudges, but always to my own hurt. Eventually the voice that I hear in a whisper will be plain for all to hear. Out of love, the Father shares it with me with enough advance notice for it to be helpful. Whenever I sense an echo, I need to trace it to the source and listen for details.
Prayer
Father, there are things I’m sensing right now that you are speaking to me. In the gaps between conversations I sense the voice speaking. So in the silent place I listen, for there are other villages, other opportunities that can be missed if I do not. Amen.
