The following devotion was published through the Luther Seminary devotion “God Pause” (www.luthersem.edu/godpause)
Tuesday, 1/4/2011
Scripture Reference: Psalm 29
Voices have power! When Adolph Hitler spoke at Templehof Airfield in Berlin, one million people gathered to hear him. In 1965, more than 55,000 screaming fans squeezed into Shea Stadium to hear the Beatles sing. When a five-year-old child whispers a prayer before an audience of One, her voice is somehow heard. Voices have power.
But “the voice of the Lord” commands the attention of the whole earth. Trees wither, mountains quake, fire dances and the earth dissolves. Whether speaking to nations or angels, rulers or adversaries; whether speaking in thundering sounds, or with a still, quiet voice, the Lord commands attention.
So why don’t we listen to the voice of the Lord? What is it about the voices of the world that capture our attention and move us to action, while the voice of God seems archaic and out of step with our lives? Could it be that the immediate is more impressive than the eternal?
God wishes to speak to us…to you! Be still, be quiet; listen to what God would have you hear today.
Gracious God, forgive me for my selective hearing. Speak to your servant and give me faith to follow your Word. Amen.
Steven Molin
Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Stillwater, Minn.
Master of Divinity, 1982
Epicurious Lutheran 