Science, sound, God's voice and ours

“God said ... and it was so” (Genesis 1:9). God's voice is powerful, it spoke creation into being, and brought order out of chaos (Genesis 1:1-27). Interestingly, sound can order chaos! Using a flat metal plate as a sounding board, Ernst Chladni Sprinkled sand randomly over the surface. And he observed intricate geometric patterns emerging, as he played notes of various frequencies (search Chladni plates on Youtube). Dan McCollam (God vibrations work book) imagines the scattered sand as the nuclear particles created in Genesis 1:1, and the sound as Jesus' voice calling creation to order.

Einstein explained that everything in the universe is in a continuous state of vibratory motion, and that every object has a frequency. Two things happen when an opera singer shatters a wine glass. Firstly there is entrainment, a synchronizing the frequency of the note with that of the glass. Secondly there's resonance, when the volume causes an increase in amplitude of the small back and forth movements inherent in the natural frequency of the glass. Together they push the amplitude beyond what the structure can sustain. Doctors use this phenomenon to break up kidney stones. But it can also be weaponized! Youtube videos of the Tacoma suspension bridge disaster give a visible demonstration of these things.The rigid structure goes through unbelievable contortions before it finally collapses.

Perhaps God used entrainment (the frequency of the marching feet matching that of the walls) and resonance (from the volume of the stamping and shouting) to cause Jericho's walls to fall (Joshua 6). By the way, there is strong archaeological evidence that the walls of ancient Jericho did indeed suddenly collapse (see Tim Mahoney's 'Patterns of evidence: The Exodus'). God, of course being God, could also have suspended natural laws! Either way these things are signs and wonders!

Is it much of a stretch then, with McCollam, to imagine the whole of creation moving in obedience to God's voice? But here, by contrast, is a huge wonder! With the gift of free will, it is possible for us to disobey His voice (Genesis 2:17; 3:6)! Also, being created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), our words too are powerful! In fact life and death are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). Though sticks and stones make break my bones, they will eventually heal. Unkind words however, can leave inner scars that may never heal! We are commanded therefore, to let our speech be edifying, seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6).

There's an important, and very great upside! In fact entrainment and resonance come together as a parable of the promises of believing prayer. Entrainment comes when we are in synch in heart, mind and soul with God's will. And He promises, when we ask in synch with Him, that He will hear us, and grant our petitions (1 John 5:14, 15). Resonance occurs when any two agree together to ask for something. When we do this, He promises it will done for us (Matthew 18:19)!

Father, just as the science of sound can be used for good or evil (war), so it is with our speech. Set a guard over our mouths Lord (Psalm 39:1; 141:3). And help us Father, as in the early church, to move in the reality of Your exceedingly great and precious promises (2 Peter 1:4). We somehow lost it, but You did not change! You are the same yesterday today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). Please restore what's been lost, and we'll give You the glory, in Jesus Name Amen