Do not shut up

"This afflicted has shouted ; and Jehovah hath heard it, and hath saved it from all its trouble." Psalm 34. 6

For the believer, it is a real pleasure to know that in all circumstances he can shout to his God, who listens and responds to him. During his life on earth, the Son of God always answered those he met. Yet, sometimes, we tried to impose silence on them.

A woman from the region of Tire and Sidon beseeches Jesus for his daughter tormented by a demon : "Lord, Son of David, have mercy on me" (Matt 15:22). The disciples find that this woman makes disorder : "Send her away, for she pursues us with her cries" (v.23). Jesus recognizes his faith and heals his daughter.

As Jesus comes out of Jericho, two blind beggars shout to him : "Have mercy on us, Lord, Son of David" (Matt 20. 30). The crowd following him rebuked them "to silence them" (v. 31). Jesus stops, calls them and heals them.

When Jesus enters Jerusalem, "the multitude of disciples, filled with joy, began to praise God aloud" (Luke 19:37). Some Pharisees, indignant at the enthusiastic welcome given to Jesus, want to silence them : "Master, rebuke your disciples" (v.39). Jesus answers them : "If they are silent, the stones will shout" (v. 42).

The disciples sought to get rid of a woman in distress who was pursuing Jesus with her cries, a crowd wanted to silence the outcasts of the earth, the Pharisees to the disciples. It was not the will of Jesus ; he has always listened to cries and requests, and he has never silenced the cries of acclamation to God.

The only time he imposed silence was on an unclean spirit who possessed a man : "Shut up and come out of him" (Mark 1:25)... and the spirit came out ! Or it is at the furious sea : "Silence, shut up" (Mark 4. 39)... and the waves have calmed down !

God never asks us to be silent when we wish to address him, by a cry, by a timely or clumsy demand, or by a complaint; even more so when we want to rent it ! It is a free access that we have with him, without intermediary. May God give us the wisdom not to impose silence on those who wish to come into contact with Him, but rather to guide them to the Master.

Source (Pleasing the Lord)