Listen

He was oppressed and tormented, but didn’t open his mouth. Like a lamb being brought to slaughter, like a ewe silent before her shearers, he didn’t open his mouth.

Isaiah 53:7

Think

I wonder if Jesus quoted these verses when his disciples were arguing over greatness and who would get to sit where when Jesus’ time of glory began. The Suffering Servant passage in Isaiah can be a hard one to take in. It is hard to envision our Savior standing mute before those who sought to hurt and destroy. Really, it’s hard to think about anyone in such desolate terms. Our instinct is to fight back, to “go down swinging,” not to stand silent.

And yet, this is the Savior we follow and worship. There are certainly moments when taking a stand is the holiest and most necessary action. Yet there are many more moments when a humbler stance is what will enable the light of Christ to shine. It takes wisdom to know the difference, and for that we must pray without ceasing. May we know both when to speak and when prudent silence is the better path.

Jennifer Christenson

Pray

God, please grant me the wisdom to know when to speak up and to know when humble silence is best. Hold my tongue when I wish to use it to do harm; loosen it when it is time to speak up on behalf of the vulnerable. Amen.

Go

Servant of God, you are loved, you are holy, and you are worthy.

Now, go in peace, in humility, and in joy to serve the Savior who humbled himself for you.