When we talk to somebody and listen to somebody, we have to do so in a language we understand. For me, that’s English. I anticipate syllables formed by sounds; words formed by syllables; phrases formed by multiple words; and sentences formed phrases. Some of us are pickier than others when it comes to grammar and syntax.
Whether or not you speak and comprehend in English, you generally expect people to form their sounds in Human. What I mean by that is that, no matter what language, humans form their words in combination of labial, dental, and velar sounds. Try this: Say “B” without bringing your lips together . . . that a labial sound; Say “T” without touching the back of your front teeth with the tip of your tongue . . that’s a dental sound; Say “R” without using the back of your mouth near your throat . . . that’s velar or guttural.
Here’s my point: The Holy Spirit doesn’t have lips, teeth, a tongue, or a throat yet you may expect Him to speak English . . . or at least Human. I’m not saying the the Holy Spirit is incapable of speaking English or Human, but you shouldn’t suppose that this would be the normal language system. You may hear a booming voice from heaven or a whisper after the fire that sounds like English, but, Scripture and my experience (for whatever that’s worth) do not point to these as a norm.
Now you know that the Holy Spirit absolutely does want to speak to you and that you should be open to a different kind of language . . . that is to say different than Human. It’s a language that is more integrated with our being than our physiology. If you’re imposing English or some other human language as the only legitimate language, you’re going to miss out on regular and non stop communication.
No comments:
Post a Comment