PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 26:57-63
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“But Jesus remained silent.” (Matthew 26:63)
I am struggling with being silent this week.
It is said that silence is complicity, and proves our guilt.
The same is said regarding abortion, or not witnessing to our faith in Jesus.
All kinds of ‘judges’ have already determined our guilt, even before we speak.
Jesus knew that nothing He would say would change their minds.
This was not a court of justice, but a kangaroo court.
In this context, words are useless, especially if trying to defend oneself.
The thing is, I am more guilty than even they realize… and so are they.
Whether we protest loudly, or retreat in silence, our sin and failures run deep.
Becoming judges (justifying ourselves, judging others) only adds to the problem.
I am NOT doing all that I could to help the weak, the oppressed, the abused, etc.
Standing up in protest for the ‘issue du jour’ does not make me any better.
I need to honestly, humbly open my heart to the true Judge, and let Him reveal it.
I need to sincerely strive to change my attitudes and actions, as He helps me.
PRAYER
Lord, my protesting today will not justify my silence other days. Humble my heart in Your grace, and help me to genuinely care for the oppressed everyday, not just when the world pressures me to.
Jesus was a major problem for the religious leaders! How often didn’t they try to ‘trip him’ up with their trick questions and ‘cases’ – how often didn’t Jesus expose their hypocrisy. Now they were looking for something that they could accuse him off – but nothing was forthcoming until some witnesses exposed a ‘threat’ to their temple – out of context from Jesus’ teaching (he was talking about himself). Jesus could have spent time trying to explain but He knew they would not be listening – He kept quiet- after which the High priest exposed his anxiety – are you really the Messiah? I think understanding who Jesus is the key – it is the question of ‘problem’ we all need to address- our acceptance of Jesus as the Messiah is life critical!
In times like these, today people are justifying their own actions, being a law unto themselves. There is so much false testimony among the peoples so one does not know where to turn or what to do. Yet the Lord God has shown the way – to stand firm upon the Rock of our salvation in all of our trials living for Jesus and He will supply all of my needs. Guide me Lord to be Your servant true also this day.
In doubt and temptation
I rest, Lord, in Thee;
My hand is in Thy hand,
Thou carest for me;
My soul with Thy counsel
Through life Thou wilt guide,
And afterward make me
In glory abide.
Refrain
My God, I will extol Thee
And ever bless Thy name;
Each day will I give thanks to Thee
And all Thy praise proclaim.
In glory Thou only
My portion shall be,
On earth for none other
I long for but Thee;
My flesh and heart falter,
But God is my stay,
The strength of my spirit,
My portion for aye.
Refrain
All they that forsake Thee
Must perish and die,
But near to my Savior
Most blessèd am I;
I make Thee my refuge,
My Lord and my God;
Thy grace and Thy glory
I publish abroad.