December 14: Isaiah 53:7-8 / Acts 8:32-33

From the very beginning, God’s Word held power in its living, spoken form. “Let there be light” broke the nothingness and ushered in the Creation of the heavens and the earth.

The Word, manifested in the person of Jesus Christ, likewise held power in His speaking – healing people, calming storms, casting out demons, and forgiving sins.

So, the Lamb of God going silent, and “open[ing] not His mouth” seems like it might be a deliberate holding-back of His power – an act that would lead the servant of God to be the salvation of the suffering.

Note what Philip encountered in Acts 8: he heard the Ethiopian reading from the prophet Isaiah. Otherwise alone, and certainly not sharing the words with somebody else, the man was reading out loud – to himself – a prophecy about Messiah. And, upon an invitation, Philip opened his own mouth to tell the eunuch the good news about Jesus.

When you are prompted to speak, let it be of Christ and His love for the world. When you are silent, let your work be evident, sacrificial, and of service to the Kingdom of God. In all things, as we eagerly wait for Christ’s return in power and glory, may the Spirit of the Lord carry you to the next place you are to serve. And, may He give you peace.

Pastor James Gomez
Prince of Peace Lutheran (LCMS) – Sturgeon Bay



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