One of the best sports announcers of all time passed away earlier this week at the age of 94. Vin Scully spent 67 years as the “Voice of the Dodgers,” and the legendary broadcaster is one of the most respected play-by-play guys to ever put on a headset. He called over 10,000 baseball games throughout his incredible career while generation after generation of fans everywhere eagerly tuned in to hear his voice. He was always there to explain what he saw on the field as he told the audience what they needed to know. The longevity and excellence that Vin Scully displayed for over six decades are truly impressive, and there was an outpouring of love, respect, and honor for him this week, especially from his fans. There is an amazing bond between the “voice” of a sports team and his audience, and Scully’s connection goes as deep as you can find. Dodgers fans found his voice to be trustworthy, smooth, and warm as he clearly and distinctly described the action on the field. He brought a level of comfort and calmness to the listeners who soaked in his recognizable voice. He would guide them from the first pitch to the final out. No matter what was going on in the lives of Dodgers fans, they knew they could turn on the radio and count on Scully’s voice being there to get them through. They hung on every word, knowing that what he said mattered. When thinking about the special relationship between Vin Scully and his audience, I can’t help but see the parallel between an even more powerful and significant voice. As followers of Jesus, we have access to the God of the universe. His voice is uniquely spoken as we pray and read His Word. It may not be audible, but He speaks to our hearts in many ways, sometimes when enjoying nature, singing His praises, or serving others. So do we eagerly tune in to listen to His trustworthy voice that brings us comfort and peace? Do we find His voice in order to help us get through whatever we may be facing in life? Do we recognize His voice as He guides us throughout our lives? Do we hang on every word, knowing that what He says matters? Jesus explains how God speaks to us through the role of the Holy Spirit in John 16:13 (ESV): “When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth, for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak, and He will declare to you the things that are to come.” For 67 years, fans couldn’t wait to find a station where they could hear the reliable “Voice of the Dodgers” coming through the speakers. As Vin Scully’s remarkable life and career is being honored, let’s be reminded to tune into the most important voice we can hear. Let’s be quiet enough to hear God speak to us as He tells us what He sees and what we need to know. He’s always there, we just have to listen. As Jesus says in Luke 11:28 (NLT), “...But even more blessed are all who hear the Word of God and put it into practice.” Today, let’s turn every other voice off so we can clearly hear the voice of our loving God as we embrace the special connection we have to “the voice of our team.” I’m Bryce Johnson and you can UNPACK that! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I admit I come to You in prayer and often spend too much time talking instead of listening. I pray I would clearly hear Your voice speak to my heart. Thank you for being willing to communicate with me the way that You do. I thank you for leading and guiding me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen. Discussion Questions for PACKS:
What has your experience been in hearing God speak clearly to your heart?
What voices do you need to turn off because you're listening to those more than His?
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