The Voice
Then I heard a loud voice from the temple. (Revelation 16.1)
We worry about the people who "hear voices", don't we? Just what voices are they hearing? What about John? Throughout the book of Revelation, he heard voices...
A voice like a trumpet
A voice like the roar of many waters
The voice of many angels
A voice like thunder
A voice in the midst of the living creatures
A voice from the altar
A voice like a lion roaring
A voice from heaven
A loud voice of a great multitude
And here in Revelation 16, he heard...
A loud voice from the temple
A loud voice. The Greek word translated loud is megas. We get our prefix mega from it. It appears often in the New Testament and is translated a variety of ways: abundant, big, fierce, great, high, important, old, strong, surprising - among others. That's the voice that John heard. That's the voice that comes from the temple. That's the voice that shapes history. That's the voice that calls us to God.
Have you heard the voice? As he called out to John, he is calling out to you. How have you responded?
Lord God, there was a lad named Samuel in the temple. He heard the voice and said, "Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening." You spoke to him! I am listening, O Lord! Speak to me. Amen.