Mark Devotionals
[Please read and meditate on the passage before (or after) reading the devotion.]
It is possible to say the right thing at the wrong time. (On the other hand there is no right time to say the wrong thing!). In other words, there are times it is wise to keep silent, and there are other times when you need to speak. Jesus had shown himself the master of both – speech and silence, and when to use either. But now, in front of the Jewish Council that had met specifically to condemn him to die, it seems that he mixed up when to be silent, and when to speak. Or did he? From a purely personal (self-serving) perspective it would seem so. After all, isn’t it normal for us to use speech and silence to either promote ourselves/our well-being or get us out of trouble? For Jesus (and consequently his followers) that was not so. What he said and why he kept silent were governed by one thing. He never thought of himself first; he would do only what pleased God, which included being unafraid of revealing his identity, an identity that reflected the character of his Father (of justice, mercy, grace). It led to them sentencing him to death… So what governs your speech and silence?
Prayer: Father, I confess that so often I speak or am silent to serve my own purpose, to fulfill my own agenda. Yet you sent your Son to die for me, to make me your child – your daughter, your son. May I show myself to an unjust and doubting world as a child of the King of kings by how I live for you and for others. Teach me to speak, and how to be silent, but only if it reveals You. Give me an understanding of your will Lord, and the courage, to stand up for what brings You glory, even if it means that I may suffer for it. Amen.
