The Voice

As I was walking today I was listening to a song by Casting Crowns called This is Now. The lyrics give a beautiful visual of a blind man that looked up and saw his Savior with his eyes for the first time. Can you imagine what that would be like to have the first face you see be the face of Jesus?

I imagine that Jesus had an amazing smile on his face as he looked fully into the man’s face, seeing more than just the outward appearance, but deep in the man’s soul. That would be a visual you would never forget.

Before receiving his sight this man only heard voices. He would have to make decisions based on hearing, not sight. The TV show The Voice begins that way. The judges are unable to see the singers, only hear them and they have to make their team choice based on what they hear. It’s interesting to watch the judges because they are listening so intently. When they turn around to see who it was that was singing, their faces often reflect surprise when they put a face to the sound.

We are in the same situation. We hear the voice and word of God without seeing His face. Are we listening intently, trying to hear every detail and meaning in His voice and words? Do we recognize the sound of His voice? Are we choosing to be on His team?

When the judges have made their choice they each get an opportunity to critique the singer and explain why they chose them. The story of the blind man above goes on to say that after this healing Jesus and His disciples left the village and Jesus asked, “Who do people say that I am?” The disciples gave some answers and then Jesus said, “But what about you? Who do you say I am?”

I had to ask myself if I would recognize Jesus’ voice. I believe that His face is visible in the least of these and that I get a daily choice if I am going to choose Him. We also get opportunities to be the face of Jesus. Are people seeing Jesus in me?

As I continue to think about the song and imagine the joy at seeing Jesus face to face, I hear His voice saying, “Go. Show them my love. Show them they matter. Be by voice and they will see my face.”

My prayer

Father, thank you for Your words, Your voice and Your face. You are my Redeemer. You are my Lord and Savior. You are the Christ. You say that Your sheep know Your voice and You know them. Help me to follow You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Where does my help come from?

Mark 8:27-29

“Jesus and his disciples went on to the villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, “Who do people say I am?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the prophets.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “You are the Messiah.”

Colossians 1:27

“To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.”

John 10:27

“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”