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Peter replied to Him, “Lord, if it is [really] You, command me… (Matthew 14:28)

Jesus said: “My sheep recognize My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27)

During this Advent season, who’s voice will ring loudest in our ears?

Peter could say “Lord, if it is really You…” because he knew as soon as he heard the voice, he would know who was speaking to him.

Jesus came in the form of a little baby, so that over time, we would become familiar with His Voice. He came, looking like one of us, so that we would not be afraid of Him when He spoke. Those who believed that he came indeed as the Son of God, became even more familiar with His Voice.

There are two advents. Two arrivals. The first time Jesus arrived as a baby. The first Advent has happened. We are awaiting His return. When King Jesus returns, will we recognize His Voice?

Peter got to walk on water because he recognised the Voice of the Shepherd. He understood the command, “Come!” The shepherds went to Bethlehem because they recognised the voice of the angel of the Lord. They said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened.” The wise men from the East understood the Voice of the One who warned them in adream to not report back to Herod.

Jesus came to show us the way home. Every story in Scripture is infused with His presence. Every believer knows the Voice of Jesus or God or the Holy Spirit. If not for the Voice of God calling them to repentance and to give their hearts to Jesus, there would be no Christians.

Maybe you have forgotten what the Voice of God sounds like. Maybe like Peter you need reassurance. Maybe you also need to say “Lord, if it is You, command me…”

John 14:26, “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” 

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.” (Matt. 7:7) God is closer than you think.