August 21
Mark 15:1-5
We all either know (or are) one of those people who loves to argue. I know this person who will fight about anything. Even when he knows he is wrong he'll just keep on going. Sometimes I wish he would just shut up already! Jesus was never wrong, but He still knew the value of silence. Jesus had already told everbody the truth; He'd told them everything they needed to know. Some people just weren't listening or were too stubborn to hear. So when the chief priests continued to accuse Jesus, He didn't argue. He didn't get definsive. He didn't roll His eyes and mutter under his breath. He was silent. I'm gonna try that right now.....(that makes for a short lesson)
Principle: After the truth has been stated, silence speaks louder than words.
Application:
1. When the Lord is silent toward me, do I examine my motives or defend my actions?
2. Where should I be stating the truth in love?
3. How can I stand for Jesus without defending myself, being fully under His control?
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Question 1: I can only remember two times when I was frustrated because of the Lord's silence. Both were great learning experiences for me. In the first, I learned that getting what you pray for isn't always best. In the second, I learned that my desire for something doesn't mean that I'm ready for the responsibility. Mostly, when God is silent, I just keep doing what I know I am supposed to do and don't worry about the areas where I don't yet know. The longer I follow Christ, the more I am comfortable with mystery and periods of waiting. I trust God to reveal what I need to know when I need to know it.
ReplyDeleteSarah, that same person is in my family and it can be so discouraging. I think sometimes when explaining God's Word to a non believer, the discussion gets so tangled up in "religion" that the real truth is missed. I love today's Principle:” After the truth has been stated, silence speaks louder than words.” Question #3…How can I stand for Jesus without defending myself, being fully under His control?... be prepared. Keep studying God's Word and continually pray for those that won't "listen or are too stubborn to hear." And then I pray that and they will see what is in my heart and that my life will be one that will point them to God.
ReplyDelete