Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed ethe heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. (Hebrews 1:1-4 ESV).
Perhaps one of the most common questions I have been asked through the decades of ministry I have had is whether God is real. Many people believe in some concept of a divine being who has somehow brought all of creation into existence; however, believing in the reality of a God who interacts and relates to us is something a bit more difficult for some folks. We long to hear the voice of God; we do desire to possess the assurance that God is real. But often it can seem that hearing from God requires us to somehow climb into heaven. This is where the Ascension becomes so important.
In our reading today, the writer of Hebrews calls our attention to the variety of ways in which God speaks; and, none of these requires us to ascend to heaven ourselves. “Through the prophets at many times and in various ways” God has addressed his people. He has caused his Word to be written down. In the Bible we have the record of God’s interactions with sinful humanity, the stories of God’s people throughout history—and these help us to see the many features of God’s character.
Since Jesus came, we have even more information, for he has come into the world as the very Word of God (cf. John 1:1-4). Ultimately God’s communication to us can be summed up in one word: Jesus. By his life and death and resurrection— and especially his ascension— Jesus draws our attention to God in heaven.
Hearing the voice of God does not require some mysterious spiritual practice. All we must do is focus on Jesus, who— like a great megaphone—has come so that we might hear God’s voice and see his love in action here on earth.