“So it was, when you heard the voice from the midst of the darkness, while the mountain was burning with fire, that you came near to me, all the heads of your tribes and your elders. And you said: ‘Surely the LORD our God has shown us His glory and His greatness, and we have heard His voice from the midst of the fire. We have seen this day that God speaks with man; yet he still lives. Now therefore, why should we die? For this great fire will consume us; if we hear the voice of the LORD our God anymore, then we shall die. For who is there of all flesh who has heard the voice of the living God speaking from the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived? You go near and hear all that the LORD our God may say, and tell us all that the LORD our God says to you, and we will hear and do it’” (Deuteronomy 5:23-27).
The elders of Israel heard the voice of God for themselves, yet fear caused them to ask for a man to be in between God and the people of Israel. “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). God was willing to speak with them, but they were unwilling to hear. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love (1 John 4:18). Perfect love casts out fear – perfect loves draws one into a relationship with God where one may hear the voice of God. But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him (1 John 2:27). God has given mankind a way to come full circle, and hear His voice and be taught by His anointing.
Whoever holds fear over a brother or sister, to keep control over their anointing, is oppressing them and causing torment; because in fear there is torment. Moses did not hold fear over Israel, but the elders of Israel let their fear rule over the nation. Today we see leaders that rule over the people of God out of fear – fear of their congregation moving out into their calling – stopping the voice of God from being heard. It was that way in Jesus’ day when the religious leaders oppressed the people with burdens, while they exalted themselves above their own teachings. The truth is what sets us free; and if we do not teach truth then what is taught is a lie. The lie causes torment; because in fear there is torment.
When the voice of God comes and some fear the presence of God; instruct them in the ways of God and ease their torment. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). There is nothing in one man’s works that earns him grace over another. For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). Boast not because of works, but glory in the grace of God. Our works cannot set another free, only grace can set one free. Share the word of God to set the captives at liberty. The word of God is truth and the truth shall set you free. The truth is; it has nothing to do with the one hearing the confession of a brother or sister, but of the One that died to give us grace, and set us at liberty.
God desires to have a relationship with mankind, one person at a time. Coming together for corporate devotionals does not negate a personal relationship with God; neither does it constitute one. Each person has their own relationship, and brings the presence of God in them into the corporate. Christ Jesus is the Head, from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love (Ephesians 4:16). Hear from the Head, and work effectively doing your share.
© 2008, Tim D. Coulter Sr.