Still and Silent

Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were fearful as they entered the cloud. And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!” (Luke 9:33-35)

Peter spoke when he should have been quiet, and he proposed human works where worship was due. So it is with much of the restless activities of Christians today. Yet, the Father spoke clearly and forthrightly to correct Peter's error, instructing him to be quiet and, "Hear Him!" In the same way, the Lord is redeeming and re-training our instincts, so that we will know when to speak and when to be silent -- when to be still, and when to move. Teach us, Lord!

There is not a single great Christian enterprise or movement in the entire New Testament, but you would not know that by today's preaching. God did not employ messengers with soaring rhetoric, convincing arguments, divine strategies and tactics, or great resources to share the Good News of Jesus Christ. But He used the foolishness of preaching the simple gospel truth, and He sent messengers who were willing to be broken bread and poured-out wine, those willing to be treated poorly and persecuted. We must be sure not to build tabernacles to our own ideas of worship and wait attentively for the voice and instruction of the Lord. Remember, the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. And before you go forward in any spiritual work, consider the words of the Father -- “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!”

Let's Pray - Dear Lord, teach us the be swift to hear and slow to speak. May we give You the worship You deserve, not the works of our fleshly understanding. In Jesus, Amen.