Missing The Point – Why Sometimes We Should Just Shut Up

The human condition is funny.

A number of times you read in the Bible, an interaction take place where God, directly or through a messenger tells someone a number of points, all of which ends with a final outcome far greater than the current situation. Yet the listener always misses the point because they’re stuck on a point in the middle.

In Luke 1 Gabriel’s chat with Zechariah is a case in point. Here is Gaby’s message for Zec after putting the fear of God into the poor priest,

• He tells him not to fear,
• He gives him good news about the child he’s always prayed for,
• He outlines what a blessing the child will be,
• The great finale is the instrumental role this child will play in preparing for the promised messiah.

A series of outstanding points that would on paper leave someone feeling great. But poor Zec is still stuck back on the point of having the child. It’s like being told you’re going to get a new car, meet the person you’ve always wanted to meet, have such a great meeting that they are happy to pay you for the rest of your life a lot of money, but you’re still stuck on getting the car.

Don’t get me wrong, I can empathise with Zec. I read things in the Word about abundant life, being a man of God, Greater is He that is in me, the return of the King and the reality of the eternal Kingdom. I read all of that and get hung up on the man of God bit, wondering how on earth am I meant to be all that when there are so many issues, flaws and failings.

I completely miss the point.

When God gives a message, it’s good to take Him at His Word. God isn’t speculating. He hasn’t got His fingers crossed hoping it will all work out. He is the beginning and the end. He finishes what He starts. His Word does not return to Him unfulfilled. He is that kinda God.

Sometimes, like Zec, I reckon He shuts us up so we quit with the chat and actually see what He does. To be fair, Zec got the hint after he lost his voice, because Lizzie was not having an immaculate conception. Maybe sometimes when we shut up and do, He comes through.

I still chuckle at the scenario though. One minute you are afraid because an angel with the power to slay you is with you. The next minute you have the audacity to doubt the angel with the power to slay you. That’s remarkable. And that’s what we’re like. One minute in awe of the majesty of the Holy God; the next minute telling the same Holy God why what He says might not happen.

God help us. Even if that means shutting us up

For His Name’s Sake

Shalom

C. L. J. Dryden