Pentecost as Divine Noise

We’re a visual people and the sight of something like “red tongues of fire” grabs our attention.  But how do we see “Divine Noise?”  Out of the sky came a noise of the wind and filled the whole place where the people were gathered. It was the sound of God’s voice that brought all creation into existence as the beginning of the book of Genesis tells us. And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. Genesis 1:3

We are well acquainted with fire and wind, and that is why we can understand the presence of God as we behold Him in all of nature that surrounds us.  But the sound of His voice, as we sing in the hymn In the Garden, lends a mystery to His voice that discloses something beyond what all of nature says to us.  As one commentary says, “When the Gospel of John begins by saying that the Word of God always existed, divine speech and Word is the in-breaking of God’s Spirit into the world via the Word of God.”

God’s Spirit gives voice to the Word of God  which enables our spirits to hear its voice. There are many distractions today that keep us from hearing what the Word says.  Nevertheless,  the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Hebrew 4:12

The Word of God gives living correction and direction to our lives.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,  so that the servant of God  may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:6-17

The Word of God speaks purpose into our lives.

So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it. Isaiah 55:11

The Word of God is eternal and everlasting.

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. Matthew 24:35