He Still Speaks to His Servants
"Notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he." — Luke 7:28
The Argument From Greater to Lesser
There is an argument in Scripture that settles this question, and very few believers have ever noticed it.
"For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he." (Luke 7:28)
Follow the logic carefully.
John the Baptist was the greatest of all the prophets. Jesus said so.
And the least person in the kingdom of God is greater than John.
That includes you.
Now — what was remarkable about the Old Testament prophets? Their personal relationships with God, and the clarity with which God spoke to them.
"And the Lord appeared again in Shiloh: for the Lord revealed himself to Samuel in Shiloh." (1 Samuel 3:21)
"And he said unto me, Son of man, stand upon thy feet, and I will speak unto thee." (Ezekiel 2:1)
Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Abraham, Moses, Joseph, Jacob — page after page shows God speaking clearly and distinctly to each one.
And Jesus said that we, who have the Holy Spirit dwelling in us, are greater than these men.
So why should we be satisfied with less of an experience of God than they had?
The New Testament Assumes It
This is not a fringe idea. All through the New Testament, the Lord's servants speak of God addressing individuals as though it were entirely ordinary.
"Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith." (1 Timothy 4:1)
"As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them." (Acts 13:2)
"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth... and he will shew you things to come." (John 16:13)
Yet to our great poverty, few churches teach this important principle today.
What Is Actually Being Claimed
Be precise, because this subject attracts confusion in both directions.
This is not a claim to new revelation equal to Scripture. The Bible is complete and it is the standard against which everything else is measured. Anything you believe you hear that contradicts it is not from God.
This is not primarily an audible voice heard with the physical ears. That is rare.
This is the claim that the God who indwells you communicates with you personally — guiding, convicting, warning, comforting, and directing — and that this is normal Christianity rather than an advanced specialty.
The next lesson deals with exactly how.
Point to Ponder
The least in the kingdom is greater than the greatest prophet. Why then would we expect to hear less than they did?
Verse to Remember
"He that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he." — Luke 7:28
Question to Consider
Have I quietly assumed that God speaking personally to a believer is something that stopped happening?
Today's Practice
Read through the accounts of God speaking to His servants, and read them as a pattern rather than as history.
1 Samuel 3 — a boy who did not yet know the Lord, learning to recognize His voice. Isaiah 6 — a prophet given a commission in the temple. Jeremiah 1 — a young man told what he was made for. Acts 8:26–29 — Philip given specific, practical directions. Acts 13:1–3 — a church receiving direction while worshiping.
As you read, note two things about each: what God said, and what the person did about it.
Then examine your own assumptions in writing. Do you actually believe God speaks to individuals today? If not, on what scriptural basis? If so, when did He last speak to you — and if the answer is never, what have you concluded from that?
Then ask Him plainly, and be willing to wait: "Father, You spoke to Your servants throughout Scripture. Teach me to hear You. I am willing to learn."
Prayer
Father, You spoke to Samuel as a boy. You spoke to Isaiah, to Jeremiah, to Ezekiel, to ordinary men and women all through Your word. And Your Son said the least in Your kingdom is greater than the greatest of them.
I have settled for far less than they had, and I have called my settling humility.
I believe Your word is complete and I am not asking for anything to add to it. I am asking to know the Person who wrote it.
Teach me to hear You. Give me the patience to learn slowly, the discernment to test everything against Scripture, and the courage to act on what You say.
Speak, Lord; Your servant heareth. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
"Yet to our great poverty, few churches teach this today." That poverty is optional.