In the beginning, God speaks.

God says, “Let there be light”, and there is light. God speaks the world into being.

In calling Abraham, God speaks.

God says, “I will make you into a great nation and you will be a blessing,” and despite all appearances to the contrary, Abraham believes. God speaks a nation into being.

In the Exodus from Egypt, God speaks.

God says, “I have heard my people’s cry”, and steps in to redeem them from slavery and oppression. God speaks redemption in being.

In the Old Testament Torah, God speaks.

God says, “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and strength and mind,” and gives teaching and instruction to live out this relationship in practice in all areas of life. God speaks the Law into being.

In the Old Testament prophets, God speaks.

God says, “Return your hearts to me,” faithfully and persistently calling His people in each generation and situation to walk with Him. God speaks prophecy into being.

In the coming of His Son, God speaks.

God says, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him,” revealing in human flesh His divine presence, Emmanuel, God with us. God speaks incarnation into being.

In Jesus’ life and teaching, God speaks.

God says, “The one who has ears to hear, let them hear,” inviting reflection and response to a new way of life. God speaks His Kingdom into being.

In Jesus’ death, God speaks.

God says, “It is finished,” declaring once and for all forgiveness, reconciliation, and victory. God speaks salvation into being.

In raising Jesus from the dead, God speaks.

God says, “He is risen,” proclaiming the arrival of a new era of abundant life available to all. God speaks resurrection into being. 

In pouring out His Spirit on the church, God speaks.

God says, “Your sons and daughters will prophesy,” empowering and equipping each follower of Jesus to proclaim and testify to his work in our lives. God speaks His church into being.

In sending His church out into the world, God speaks.

God says, “You will be my witnesses,” commissioning His disciples to take and speak the good news to the very ends of the earth. God speaks mission into being.

In every chapter and on every page of the Bible, God speaks.

In every moment and generation, God reveals himself to be a speaking God. 

So … how do we hear this speaking God speak to us through His Word today?

How do we listen to the Bible as the living, breathing, speaking word of God in our daily lives?

And what might God wanting to speak into being in our time?