Tag: do not be silent
“Don’t be silent!”
Scripture reading for February 16th: Acts 18, Psalm 34, Proverbs 3
Acts 18: 6-10 “And when they opposed and reviled him, he shook out his garments and said to them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” And he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justice, a worshiper of God. His house was next door to the synagogue. Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord, together with his entire household. And many of the Corinthians hearing Paul believed and were baptized. And the Lord said to Paul one night in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but go on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many in this city who are My people.””
Paul and Silas continued to encounter opposition from religious Jews to the Good News of Jesus as the Christ. Paul did what Jesus instructed and shook out his garments and declared his innocence of their blood. He had declared to them the truth. They had tried to silence him but he was under other orders from Jesus Himself. Jesus appeared to him in a vision and calmed his fears. He told him that He would protect him and be with him, not to become fearful and silent in the face of opposition. There were lots of other men and women in Corinth that would respond to the Gospel and receive salvation! God speaks to His people and answers their prayers and calms their fears–angelic help is also present!
Psalm 34:6-7 “This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, and delivers them.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for bringing in a harvest even in the midst of opposition and personal attacks on Your people. Thank You for not remaining silent either, but calming Your workers with wise counsel and encouraging words. Forgive me when I don’t trust you, but lean on my own understanding. Deliver me from all fear and may I never remain silent when You have told me to proclaim Good News!
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”