Deuteronomy 18:15-20 (NRSV)
Read Deuteronomy 18:15-20 on biblegateway.com
Verse 15The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you shall heed such a prophet. Verse 16This is what you requested of the Lord your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said: "If I hear the voice of the Lord my God any more, or ever again see this great fire, I will die." Verse 17Then the Lord replied to me: "They are right in what they have said. Verse 18I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their own people; I will put my words in the mouth of the prophet, who shall speak to them everything that I command. Verse 19Anyone who does not heed the words that the prophet shall speak in my name, I myself will hold accountable. Verse 20But any prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, or who presumes to speak in my name a word that I have not commanded the prophet to speak-that prophet shall die."
Devotion
The voice of God is hard to hear when I am overwhelmed by God's power. The Israelites at Mt. Horeb were terrified by God's thundering voice speaking the words of the Ten Commandments. "Who is there who has heard the voice of the Lord and remained alive?" God graciously appointed Moses to speak so that the people might hear words of life to prepare them to enter the Promised Land. When the voice of God overwhelms you, listen to those whom God graciously appoints to proclaim his promise. Instead of fear at the might and glory of God, a human voice speaks in a familiar tone so we can concentrate on the message. God graciously sent his Son, to speak words of life to prepare us to enter heaven. Who is there who has heard and believed the voice of the Lord Jesus and not remained alive to eternal life?
Prayer
Gracious Lord, let me hear your voice of promise through the people I meet today. Mindful of your power and might to save me, help me listen with hope. Amen.