In-depth study: The Posture of Silence

The author gives instruction for the house of God. The text uses the word shamar. The word translates to guarding or setting a hedge. People must not stroll into the room of a king. People must draw near to listen. The text uses the word shama'. The word means to hear with intent of obedience. People offer sacrifices of fools. The text uses the word kesil for fool. Fools act as if God lacks existence. Fools treat God like a machine of vending. People must not make vows of haste. God resides in heaven and humanity resides on earth. Philosophers call the gap the Distinction of Infinite Quality. Humanity must practice Humility of Epistemology. Humanity must use words of limit.

Questions for reflection • Do you treat God like a machine of vending? • How can you practice silence before God today?

The Trinity agreed on redemption. Jesus serves as the Logos. The word translates to Reason or Word. Jesus cleared the temple of money-changers. Jesus protected reverence of the sanctuary. Jesus obeyed the Father. Jesus stood before judges in silence. Jesus took the penalty for vows of haste and chatter of religion. Jesus died on the cross and shouted tetelestai. The word translates to completion of work. Jesus secured access to the presence of God.

Questions for reflection • Jesus stood before judges in silence. Does the truth change views of the cross? • Jesus completed the work of salvation. Do you try to add words to the work of Jesus?

Religions of the world teach manipulation of deities. Prophets of Baal shouted and danced to force the hand of God. The author calls the actions sacrifices of fools. Believers reject works. Justification relies on the cross of Jesus. Believers receive freedom from performance. Believers draw near to listen. God knows the needs of believers before believers speak.

Questions for reflection • Do you talk to manipulate God? • How does justification bring peace of mind?

Society demands production. People fear silence. People type emails for bosses. People pay bills for utilities. People fix cars in garages. People buy groceries at markets. Society requires output of words. Worship requires reception. People must stop production of words before God. People must let God speak. People without faith try to negotiate with God. People must drop resumes of spirit. People must surrender to Jesus.

Questions for reflection • Do you fear silence? • How can you stop production of words before God this week?

God of heaven, we bow before You. We thank You for Jesus. Jesus took the penalty for words of foolishness. Deliver us from noise. Grant us joy in silence. We pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.