Voice of Freedom

The Lord’s voice is creative. He who is Life, who is the Word, spoke life into existence. Christ, the Word never painted beautiful pictures, never wrote wonderful books. When the Word spoke, there was light, beauty, life, freedom. You are His tapestry, the manuscript He writes upon. You may be broken and covered with shame. But He will speak His very own Spirit of freedom into you so you develop an authentic voice.

Voiceless, we may cower in silence. Though sin dwells within, His truth sets the voiceless free to develop an authentic voice of life and hope. Freedom comes as we take responsibility for our choices and choose Him over the life of slavery. It is a process of transformation, of beauty being expressed. The LORD is the Artist. As His apprentice, we learn to become artists.

True artistry develops in the heart as we sit at the Master’s feet and allow Him to purify us. If we allow the fire to refine us, His life shines forth. But if in self-protection we refuse to let Him touch what is defiled within us, our artistry, our creativity, our voice becomes only an expression of mime, mimic, imitation. Though we may be a skilled mime or “pantomimi”, our skill is copied; it is demoniacally inspired. It is not an authentic voice, for it is not our own.

The first question in Scripture was in response to Adam confessing he and Eve were afraid and hid when they heard God’s voice. The Lord said, “Who told you you were naked?” He did not ask, “Why are you afraid?” He did not say, “Do not to be afraid.” God always asks the right question. He said, “Who told you you were naked?”

Sin has a personality. Personalities have a voice. Although afraid of the Lord’s displeasure, both Adam and Eve answered Him. They heard His voice, they discerned His holiness, but in fear, both demonstrated respect and answered the Lord.

Miriam and Aaron also engaged in hiding. The Lord’s question to them was significant. He said, “Why weren’t you afraid? Why weren’t you afraid to speak against My servant, Moses?” Neither answered. They heard His voice but were silent.

Silence, especially among slaves or those who were slaves, denotes a core of strong rebellion. It is doubtful they felt remorse, godly fear, or respect for God and His holiness. His anger kindled against them. If they had been sorry, they would have bowed in humility. And the Lord, who loves humility, would have responded in forgiveness.

When Isaiah, a righteous man encountered the holiness of the Lord, he cried aloud, “Woe is me!” He was not engaged in sin or deception, yet he responded in fear at the holiness of the LORD. Broken in humility before the Lord, Isaiah desired to be pure.

The only path to reclaim our voice is by speaking the truth. When we have hidden behind lies, it is difficult, even frightening to speak truth. Israel experienced a dramatic deliverance out of Egypt. Many of us have experienced the Lord quietly deliver us from death, wash us from sin and give us new life in Christ. But few of the oppressed ever walk the path of deliverance.

The work is finished. Israel was set free. But their voice was a stolen voice of murmur and complaint against the Lord. Except for Joshua and Caleb who spoke truth, all died in the wilderness, never reclaiming their stolen voice, the voice of deliverance.