He was treated harshly and afflicted, but he did not even open his mouth. Like a lamb led to the slaughtering block, like a sheep silent before her shearers, he did not even open his mouth. Isaiah 53:7
I’ve got to be sincere– This is not the kind of word I wanted to hear this bright and sunny Friday. Lately, God has been taking me on a journey to think positively, talk wisely and walk circumspectly. Nothing could possibly be harder.
In case you don’t know me, speaking is the major unction I function in. I’ve got a word for everything and have a habit of saying something in response to anything that meddles with me, their intention notwithstanding. That ‘something’ could be nice, mean, or somewhere in between.
…….he was treated harshly. The writer here gives us an insight into the things Jesus suffered. He was assaulted, insulted and humiliated. Can you handle being offered vinegar from the very people you turned water into wine for? Being stripped naked by the ones you came to clothe with glory and honour? Being beaten by the folks you came to rescue? Being spat on by the ones you came to free from shame? He was stricken unjustly…while doing the right thing yet he opened not his mouth.
As if that were not enough, we’re given an imagery of a lamb dumb before its shearers. So was Jesus before his judges, accusers and executioners. Through his ordeal, he stayed silent. I’ve been through some difficult things in life but never have I been provoked to this extent! Has life thrown you upside-down and sideways till you were mute and enrolled for sign language 101?
By keeping his mouth shut it seemed he was guilty and helpless. He did not assert, plead, defend, threaten or complain rather he kept his mouth shut. I wonder why he who upholds everything by the word of his power would keep quiet. Not even a “let there be…” came out. This reminds me of the time:
He sent messengers ahead to a Samaritan village to prepare for his arrival. But the people of the village did not welcome Jesus because he was on his way to Jerusalem. When James and John saw this, they said to Jesus, “Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to burn them up?” But He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what kind of spirit you are of. Luke 9: 52 -55
Looks like James and John got one of those rebukes I had growing up “Sharap” meaning shut up or even – Hush children! Where did you get that from?
They had an unholy indignation (spirits) such as wrath, anger, resentment, revenge …evil desires and Jesus rebuked them because their behaviour was nothing like his and did not reflect him. They hadn’t fully grasped what he meant when he said:
…. learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart. Matthew 11:29
It takes a meek and humble spirited person to say nothing when being ridiculed and disgraced unreasonably. If that were me, I would call the legions of angels, thunders, lightnings, winds, fire and every possible element to show them who is who. You should hear me ‘prophesying’ when offended, it’s horrid!
The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. Proverbs 18:21
Could it be Jesus was thinking about the consequences of his words when he chose not to open his mouth? He was intentional about the things he said how and when he said them!
When he said father forgive them, it was purposeful and powerful. How about when he said to the thief “today you will be with me in paradise. “? How assuring! The deal sealers were “It is finished” and “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit”.
He finished well with an unfaltering commitment. He ended up saying some things but only at the right time. You may be going through some kind of persecution thinking perhaps if you open your mouth aid will come, justice will be served, your innocence will be proven and reputation saved. Stay meek (patient, long-suffering, forbearing) and lowly (humble, respectful, submissive).
Your words are more potent than explosives, they have creative abilities. Learn to shut up when you have nothing useful to say- when your words are counterintuitive and destructive. Make a decision today to only speak positive, palliative, productive and constructive words.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer. Psalm 19:14