Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Silent People (July 14)

But the people remained silent and said nothing in reply, because the king had commanded, "Do not answer him."
                                       Isaiah 34:21 NIV

Here we read of the great nation of Assyria threatening Judah and the people not responding to the enemies questions, threats, declarations in obedience to their king.

Silence, or using only a few words is sometimes the best response.  Especially in tense times like when the threat of war is imminent.  In casual conversations, quantitative information might be conveyed via words.  In addition qualitative information might be conveyed by the intonation of the voice, the choice of words, or pace of the speech.  Both forms of information could be very useful in planning an assault by the enemy.

We, too, are challenged and daily assaulted by the enemy.

Jesus was tempted by the devil and in Luke 4 had only a few words to say to the devils tempting:

"It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone.' "

"It is written: 'Worship the Lord your God
and serve him only.' "

"It says: 'do not put the Lord your God to the test.' " 



After these wise words from Jesus, the devil departed, "until an opportune time."

Consider Jesus' wisdom in your daily walk.  We need more than just bread for our body to live.  We should not have any object, hobby, past-time or other idol that rivals our incomparable God of love and Grace.  We should trust the Lord and not test the Lord. For the devil is lurking for an "opportune time" for us too.

Remember looking away, saying 'No,' or silence might be the best response.  A old, once heard quote: "Loose lips sink ships."

How might people get in trouble by speaking?

Have you ever gotten yourself or someone else in trouble by speaking?

Pray for the Spirit to guide your speech to tell the story in a loving, kind, inviting manner.


In Christ,


David P 

No comments:

Post a Comment