Do you recognize His Voice?

If Jesus showed up today, would you recognize HIM and would you know His Voice?

A Pharisee knew the first five books of the Old Testament memorized word for word at the age of 12/13 years old. A Pharisee knew more of God's Word if compared to a typical lay Christian today. They had it memorized word for word from Genesis to Deuteronomy! Yet, when Jesus appeared in the flesh, they did not recognize their God. Why?

It was because He was not the Jesus or Messiah they were preaching. He was not the Jesus or Messiah they were teaching. He was not the Messiah they were expecting.
They had their own personal image or expectation of who their Messiah would or should be.

John 10:24-27 So the Jews surrounded Him and began asking Him, How long are You going to keep us in doubt and suspense? If You are really the Christ (the Messiah), tell us so plainly and openly.25 Jesus answered them, I have told you so, yet you do not believe Me [you do not trust Me and rely on Me]. The very works that I do by the power of My Father and in My Father’s name bear witness concerning Me [they are My credentials and evidence in support of Me].26 But you do not believe and trust and rely on Me because you do not belong to My fold [you are no sheep of Mine].27 The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me.

In verse 24, it was the Jews, God's people who surrounded Jesus! The Jews were considered the "Believers!" Yet, in verse 26, Jesus says, "YOU DO NOT BELIEVE AND TRUST AND RELY ON ME." He told them they were no sheep of His yet they were His people!!

Matthew 7:21-23 (AMP)Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father Who is in heaven.22 Many will say to Me on that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name and driven out demons in Your name and done many mighty works in Your name? 23 And then I will say to them openly (publicly), I never knew you; depart from Me, you who act wickedly [disregarding My commands].

If one says he/she believes yet continues to break God's commandments, then He will say to them that they are not His sheep and to depart from HIM those who ACT WICKEDLY (DISREGARDING HIS COMMANDS).

We must ask ourselves because just as the many Pharisees had, have we ourselves created a Jesus that is to our own personal desires/goals according to our flesh? Are we preaching and teaching a Jesus catered and customized to our own desires? Are we expecting a Jesus other than the one returning with a ROD!

Because when He returns, will He be what you had expected according to your own personal desires? Otherwise, when He returns as the God of the Bible, some or many of His people will not be able to recognize HIM.

In order to know His Voice, you must know His Ways as He has been and is from His Word.

Fire of God!