Hear the Voice of God

Jesus said to them, ‘Very truly, I tell you, the Son can do nothing on his own, but only what he sees the Father doing; for whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise. The Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing; and he will show him greater works than these, so that you will be astonished. Indeed, just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whomsoever he wishes. The Father judges no one but has given all judgement to the Son, so that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life, and does not come under judgement, but has passed from death to life. ‘Very truly, I tell you, the hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For just as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself; and he has given him authority to execute judgement, because he is the Son of Man. Do not be astonished at this; for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and will come out—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. John 5:19-29

Many of us have been like dead, huddling in our warm comfortable homes, hiding from the world, thinking we are safe and secure while feeling very afraid for some reason. We have been conditioned to be fearful and to hide, focusing on ourselves and perfecting our homes. Seems like every doctor's office shows HGTV, the buying, selling and rehabbing of houses. God's voice, if heard, calls us to the hard intersections of the city, not to comfort but to hurting people and communities, not to selfish and isolating ways. John's Gospel calls us to listen and act, not to pretend we cannot hear for the words are the Gospel, and all scripture are clear - act justly, love mercy and walk humbly - all things spoken from the prophet Micah and reiterated down through the centuries.

Wondrous Creator, you made us in your image

fragile and yet tough, tender and compassionate

and you call us to hear you and rise up today.

They can twist our words and deny our sight

yet we still hear the ancient one calling us

to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you.

Help us to rise up to share your love today

make us fearless in the face of great tyranny

for you walk with those who walk humbly today. Amen.