by Pastor Douglas Brauner

Power in NOT Speaking

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
James 1:19-20 English Standard Version

The more people talk, the more anger rises to the surface.

James makes the connection between endless talking and anger. As the United States enters another election year, we feel the rise of anger as well. The more candidates talk, the more people seethe. Anger arises whether the person speaking is a candidate we agree with or disagree with.

Anger over words spoken is not limited to politics. We’ve probably been in a position where we wish someone would stop speaking, maybe showing our disgust by walking out on the person, or at a minimum, tuning them out.

James, drawing on Old Testament wisdom literature, reminds us that words have power, but the lack of words can be even more powerful. Listen to what Isaiah writes about the coming Suffering Servant.

“He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth.”
Isaiah 53:7 (ESV)

Anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. I imagine that Caiaphas’ house was noisy when Jesus stood before the assembled council with people accusing him with many words, claiming that he deserved to die. Their anger did not bring about the righteousness that God desires.

It is the Lamb who stood silently before this council who indeed did what God requires. However, prompted by a question from the high priest, he did speak. When asked if he was the Christ he simply said “I am.” and followed these words with a few more that would seal his fate.

In a world growing angrier with many words spoken, may we worship the One who remained silent and brought about the righteousness that God desires for you and for me.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado