Recognizing God’s Voice

Recognizing God’s voice. As you reflect on Symbols and Visions, hear how God continues to speak through His Word, guiding His people with clarity, wisdom, and truth in every generation.

“I am the Lord your God from the land of Egypt; I will again make you dwell in tents, as in the days of the appointed feast. I spoke to the prophets … multiplied visions … gave parables” (Hosea 12:9–10).

As God’s people faced new problems, He reminded them of His longstanding relationship with them: how He had spoken to them, led them out of bondage in Egypt, and provided for them in the wilderness.

Through Hosea, God reminded them that He was not silent. He was still speaking to them, continuing to call prophets to be His messengers to guide them and provide fresh revelation.

Through “multiplied visions,” God continually made them aware of His presence. He reminded them of His Word and His vision for the world. He encouraged them to seek Him and cry out for His wisdom.

Some of these words from God were crystal clear, but He also spoke to them in “parables.” This Hebrew word also can be translated symbols. God sometimes uses pictures, symbols, or parables to help us understand His prophetic vision for events in the world. We see this same use of parables in the ministry of Jesus who “said nothing to them without a parable” (Matthew 13:34).

Today, God still speaks to us in many ways—through symbols and parables; anointed men and women; dreams and visions; His Spirit to guide, lead, teach, and correct us.

Remember to base your understanding on God’s Word. The Bible is the rock, the standard, and the plumb line against which everything else must be compared and confirmed. Its principles must be our foundation and primary source of revelation.

Reflection Question: Are you testing what you hear against God’s Word?