[APRIL 19] The Secret Chamber

Read: Isaiah 50:4-5

"Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light."

--Matthew 10:27

People have some needs that are excruciatingly deep. Poet Alfred, Lord Tennyson wrote, "Never morning wore to evening, but some heart did break."

We find ourselves in conversation at times with heartbroken friends and may feel at an utter loss to know what to say. How can we "speak a word in season to him who is weary," as it says in Isaiah 50:4?

Telling people what human teachers have taught us may have some impact on them. But the most helpful or persuasive words are spoken by those who are taught by the Lord Himself.

That's why it's essential for us to sit at Jesus' feet and learn from Him. The more we receive from Him, the more we have to give to others. George MacDonald pictures this time with the Lord as having ''a chamber in God Himself." He continues: ''Out of [that] chamber . . . man has to bring revelation and strength for his brethren. This is that for which he was made."

It's through our thoughtful and prayerful Bible study, reading, and quiet meditation that God speaks to our hearts. He gives us "the tongue of the learned" (Isa. 50:4) so that we have something to share with those who are in the depths of despair. --David Roper

The comfort God has given us

He wants us all to share 

With others who, with broken hearts,

Are caught in deep despair. --Sper

REFLECT ON THIS:

Listen to God's heart, then speak from your heart to others.

[APRIL 1] To Speak or not to Speak

Read: Mark 14:53-65

"[Jesus] kept silent and answered nothing."

--Mark 14:61

Sometimes silence is the best response to a false charge. At other times we must speak up.

When false witnesses accused Jesus as He stood before the Sanhedrin, He "kept silent" (Mark 14:53-61). Defending Himself would have been useless. Furthermore, He was fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 53:7. But earlier in His ministry, Jesus rebuked the Pharises, challenging them to prove that He sinned (John 8:13-59).

A pastor resigned from his church because a few members made untrue statements about him. He thought it unchristian to defend himself, and in some instances it is. But in this case, the troublemakers needed to be confronted and their false charges refuted. He should have urged them to repent or face church discipline.

Saying nothing may allow wrongdoers to go unchallenged in their evil ways. But if God's Spirit leads us to remain silent, or if we want merely to try to salvage our wounded pride, then we should hold our tongue.

Are you being falsely accused? If you discern that it's futile to argue, or if your pride has been hurt, ask God for grace to say nothing. but if you feel concern for the wrongdoers and want to see justice done, speak up! --Herb Vander Lugt

Lord, give us wisdom to discern

When what is false must be revealed

Or if we need Your grace and strength

To close our lips and keep them sealed. --D. De Haan

REFLECT ON THIS:

Silence can be valuable; don't break it unless you can improve on it.