Pastor John,
How does one know if they have heard the voice of Jesus versus the Spirit talking? Does it actually sound differently? I have heard audible words before, but how do I know if it was Jesus or the Spirit?
Thanks,
Anna
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Hi Anna,
Most of the time, the litmus test is related to one’s heart. How did Abraham know that it was God who told him to leave his homeland, or to kill his son Isaac, except by having a perfectly clear conscience? And the same may be said about others who obeyed God’s commandment to do something they would rather not do. We can trust Jesus to help us always to know him as long as we are doing our part. In all such cases, this applies: “My sheep know my voice, and another they will not follow.”
Concentrate on being righteous, and you will feel where a thought comes from, for, as Solomon said, “The thoughts of the righteous are right.” Even at that, however, it will take some experiences to become confident in how you feel about the thoughts that will certainly come, whether they are from God or not. So, be patient with yourself! God loves you. If you err, He will use that error to make you more like Him. He did that with Abraham when fear made that great man think it was a good idea to lie — twice — about who Sarah really was.
On the other hand, on those rare occasions when God chooses to speak audibly, there is no mistaking that voice. He is His own witness. No second opinion, or even biblical confirmation, is needed. When the Israelites heard it at Mount Sinai, they ran from the mountain. Even Moses trembled.
That’s as close to an answer I can come to, based on my own experience and understanding. In sum, as that old hymn says (almost), “Trust and Obey, for there’s no other way to be sure it is Jesus, but to Trust and Obey.”
Thank you for the question, Anna. And as with anything, I — or anyone else — may ever say about anything, God will do whatever He chooses to do — including (if He chooses) keeping us in the dark about a voice that speaks to us or an event that happens to us, to try our heart. Just ask Job.
Pastor John
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Hi Pastor John,
Thank you for your response. It was so good, and I’ll be referring back to it. I have question, though, just to clarify. You referred to God talking to the Israelites, and how this caused them, as well as Moses, to tremble. If we have truly heard from the Lord, and have no doubt about it, but it was not thunderous or terrifying, should it be assumed that it was not actually the voice of Jesus or God, but rather the Spirit? The reason I’m asking is because I think I recall you saying recently in a meeting that few of us have actually heard Jesus’ voice, but rather heard the Spirit. I know, as the song goes, “His voice makes the difference,” so I’m seeking more clarification if possible.
Thank you,
Anna
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Hi Anna.
Aaron pointed out to me that I had misunderstood your question, and I had not had the time yet to get back with you. Thank you for writing back.
Just because the Spirit has spoken to us in our heart does not mean that we have heard the actual voice of Jesus. It is true that when the Spirit speaks within us, it is the Lord talking to us, but he sometimes speaks in an audible voice. That is what I meant by just a few of us having heard the Lord’s voice. But however Jesus speaks, his voice makes all the difference. We need his guiding hand!
Thank you again for helping clear things up for me.
Pastor John