A Time For Silence

“But Jesus gave no answer, not even to a single charge…” (Matt 27:14)

There is a saying: “You do not have to attend every argument you are invited to.” If there is one thing I have learned about my humanity, it is that my flesh much prefers arguing, more so than silently allowing someone to be wrong. No doubt, we must not be silent in proclaiming the glories of the Lord or in sharing the spiritual morsels we are given by Him. But at some point in our spiritual maturity, we will have to learn how to allow God to expose someone’s heart…and remain silent as He works. 

Often times, God will expose someone’s heart through their argument. Spiritual blindness and deafness must be exposed before they can be dealt with. And once exposed, Jesus only ministered to those who realized they were blind and deaf. For those who accepted the truth of the state of their own heart, the Lord poured out Himself and His wisdom to them from an overflowing cup. For those who didn’t, He said, “Disregard them! They are blind guides. If a blind man leads a blind man, both will fall into a pit.”

There is a time to speak and a time to be silent, and discernment between the two must be given by the Lord. There are times I’ve had to ask myself if I trusted the Lord enough to allow someone to be wrong? It may seem like a silly question, but it boils down to whether we truly trust in God’s sovereignty? Do we trust God enough to watch individuals, nations, cultures, and systems self-destruct, because we understand that God is the one shaking them and exposing them…

…and we need only to remain silent while He works. 

(Eccl 3:1,7) To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven: …A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silent, and a time to speak;

 

(Prov 17:27,28) The one who has knowledge uses words with restraint, and whoever has understanding is even-tempered. Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.

(Matt 26:62,63) Then the high priest stood up and said to Jesus, “Are you not going to answer? What is this testimony that these men are bringing against you?” But Jesus remained silent.

(Heb 12:26,27) At that time His voice shook the earth, but now He has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth, but heaven as well.”The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.