Part One
As we open up this first part of our devotional series we have been moved to speak under the theme “Breaking the Silence.” If we exam this phrase you will quickly note that there are many viable point we can develop regarding this theme. Our approach in this series will be to answer four questions;
1. Why break the silence now?
2. What should I say?
3. Who will I speak to?
4. What is our goal?
I pray that as we explore these ideas and questions, we may all be enlightened, motivated, and empowered to bring forth God’s will & purpose in our lives. Moving us away from our spiritual slumber and projecting us into that moment where we take courage by the hand, rise up in authority and Break the Silence.
Breaking the Silence:
Why Now?
Matthew 11:12
12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force.
Being part of the crowd and fitting in is always the more travelled road. What happens when you have been branded to bring change?
Change is a good thing when the Holy Spirit guides it. What we need to keep in mind is that change, even when influenced by God, is almost always met with adversity. We see John the Baptist in this passage breaking a 400 years silence. He spoke words that had not been muttered for years and was bringing a message that was vaguely recalled by the elders.
Called to bring a revolutionary change to a generation that was cemented in interpretations of their own ideas. As diverse theological views danced around in the synagogues and various erudite groups divided the idea of the community John was charged with the feat of bringing an ecumenical message to the people.
Malachi 4:6 He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.”
It is believed that a thought left in the mind long enough will eventually enter our “belief system” and progressively we an action or a way of life for us. Imagine the absence of a thought for 400 years and no one to remind us.
When we look at today’s world we quickly notice that this generation has moved away from its founding principles and fundamental beliefs. It has left its place before God and in turn cannot speak on His behalf. They have returned to the times of the Judges (21:25), “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes.”
In the absence of spiritual direction & guidance there must be a voice of Hope & reason. A Voice that in the midst of immorality, abuse, and social degradation that must speak up and bring the Word of Truth and the message of Hope. If we study, it is in these circumstances that great awakenings have come forth through individuals who chose not to stand by and watch, or wait, or ignore because they knew things would only continue to spiral downward.
One person who knew that the time was now, the hour was at hand. One Person moved by God’s power and inspired by God’s spirit determined not be silent any longer, Resolute to Breaking the Silence.
Say this prayer with me:
Lord I come before You, thanking You for Your Grace & Mercy. Understanding the signs of times and hearing Your call in my life. Help me look past my limitations and my mistakes to be able to see myself as You have created me, blessed and beautiful.
I ask you Lord to guide me, give me the strength and courage to do what’s right, to live in honor of You, and to speak Your Truth to this world. I pray that I may be a vessel of honor and a blessing to others. I pray that as I live my life, it can be an inspiration and example to others.
In Jesus name, Amen!