“Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him. Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine.” (John 12:28-30 NIV)
Jesus didn’t need to hear God’s audible voice in order to know that He was fulfilling His purpose on earth. He was content with just hearing God’s still, small voice because He was always in tune with His Father’s voice. But His hearers needed to hear it loud and clear and that is why He told them, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine.” They all heard it but what were they going to do with the proof of what they had seen and heard?
There are still so many people today who don’t know God on a personal level that they need a sign of sorts to help them believe. God speaks louder to them to their benefit. That is why most people have more extraordinary encounters with Him than others. God’s voice can still be heard. But the question is, are we listening? To those of us who are willing to listen, His voice – be it quiet or loud – is for our benefit.
Rising with the Son 