August 4
Then Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself
to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”
Matthew 8:4
The old adage: “actions speak louder than words” seems to apply here; yet we can only imagine how this leper that Jesus healed was bursting inside to share his story with others! It is so difficult to remain silent when we are filled with news to share with our families and friends. Many times I have set out to keep quiet about a situation in an effort to let things play out a bit or in consideration of the feelings of others, only to my disappointment, have my mouth work ahead of my brain. In time the news would have presented itself, but perhaps by my revelation of it too soon, something was lost.
It is so easy to speak with people we trust about what is on our minds - our ideas, plans and principles; much more difficult though to put those words into action. Yet Jesus directed this man toward action. His mere presence, with the disease gone and now witnessed by those in his midst, speaks volumes. No words could reveal this miraculous gift more than his mere image, showing himself renewed and filled with joy in the new life he has received. Jesus also directed him to offer a gift, in gratitude to God for the new man he has become.
It is often a challenge for us to put into action what God is calling us to do, rather than talk about it some times. We may be bursting to share news in our lives, when the other person we’re with has needs of far greater importance, yet it’s hard to stop and just listen. How often must God point out to us that our lives and the way we live are a testimony to Him? Why do we need to be reminded that? God’s goodness to us is so magnificent! When we take the time to stop and listen to everything around us, we will hear God’s heart beating, and our actions will reflect that.
Dear Father, help us to keep silent when you want us to. May we recognize that there are occasions when our actions alone are necessary to someone, so they may see your goodness.
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson
Then Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself
to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”
Matthew 8:4
The old adage: “actions speak louder than words” seems to apply here; yet we can only imagine how this leper that Jesus healed was bursting inside to share his story with others! It is so difficult to remain silent when we are filled with news to share with our families and friends. Many times I have set out to keep quiet about a situation in an effort to let things play out a bit or in consideration of the feelings of others, only to my disappointment, have my mouth work ahead of my brain. In time the news would have presented itself, but perhaps by my revelation of it too soon, something was lost.
It is so easy to speak with people we trust about what is on our minds - our ideas, plans and principles; much more difficult though to put those words into action. Yet Jesus directed this man toward action. His mere presence, with the disease gone and now witnessed by those in his midst, speaks volumes. No words could reveal this miraculous gift more than his mere image, showing himself renewed and filled with joy in the new life he has received. Jesus also directed him to offer a gift, in gratitude to God for the new man he has become.
It is often a challenge for us to put into action what God is calling us to do, rather than talk about it some times. We may be bursting to share news in our lives, when the other person we’re with has needs of far greater importance, yet it’s hard to stop and just listen. How often must God point out to us that our lives and the way we live are a testimony to Him? Why do we need to be reminded that? God’s goodness to us is so magnificent! When we take the time to stop and listen to everything around us, we will hear God’s heart beating, and our actions will reflect that.
Dear Father, help us to keep silent when you want us to. May we recognize that there are occasions when our actions alone are necessary to someone, so they may see your goodness.
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson