(Reformation 21)
Reading the Old Testament and seeing how different prophets in the Bible spoke directly to God is amazing. In Exodus 33, though Moses did not see God’s face for no one may see His face and live, Moses felt God’s glory and saw his back. It is always astounding to know that human beings like you and I were in the presence of God’s glory and spoke to Him, one on one.
For a while, earlier in my spiritual journey, I thought that it was so unfair. How comes they get to speak to God and I don’t? How comes Moses could ask to see God and he gets to be in the presence of His glory as He passes and I don’t? Most times, these questions came about when I felt like God was silent, when I asked for something and did not get, but this is a story for next time.
Immediately Jesus died on the cross, the curtain in the temple was torn into two. The curtain which was made out of finest embroidery and material was the earthly sanctuary, a holy place. This was the tabernacle, a place where only specific priests of the Lord could access. This act is seen as the opening of the gates to God’s presence, the new covenant had dawned.
At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split
Matthew 27:51
Shortly after, the Pentecost takes place and the first ever baptism of the Spirit took place. Where the Holy Spirit came down to the disciples of Christ; all of them were filled of the Holy Spirit. All this shows that we are always in God’s presence even though He may not always reveal Himself. Therefore, how can we hear and heed Him? In what ways does he talk to us
People – wise counsel. Have you ever prayed for a matter and asked God for a sign? Then got insight from someone who, sometimes, does not know what you’re going through? In the Bible, God spoke to the people of Nineveh through Jonah. The people changed their ways and sought forgiveness and were set free from the consequences of their sin by God. (Jonah 3)
The Bible. In the introduction of the book John, he writes, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The word is timeless and is used in all circumstances.
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,
2 Timothy 3:16
Dreams and visions. Amongst the gifts of the Holy Spirit, is the gift of dreams and visions. This includes people who have dreams on future happenings, explained circumstances or messages that God may have for His people.
Nature. In the book of Psalms, David marvels at God’s creation, the heavens, moon and stars and thinks to himself, if God can do all this with creation, what about mankind? Sometimes, noticing the way nature is orderly and marvelous, reminds us that God will always handle us just the same.
Prayer. There are a number of answered prayers throughput the Bible that not only prove that God listens to our prayers, but also, answers them. Prayer is our lifeline, it is in this way that we communicate with God.