Silence Was Better

TITLE: Silence Was Better
DATE:  October 18, 2019
​
Christ is risen. He is risen, indeed.

TEXT: Luke 22: 31 – 34 ESV - 31 “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift all of you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” 33 But he replied, “Lord, I am ready to go with you to prison and to death.” 34 Jesus answered, “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.

The court of Louis XIV, of France, was Christian.

By that I mean that had, at least verbally confessed Jesus as Savior. Sadly, the confession made by their lives was something quite different.

One Sunday, when Louis and his royal party arrived at church, no one was there except Archbishop Fenelon, the court preacher. Surprised to see the vacant pews, the King asked, "Why isn't anyone else at worship this morning?"

The Archbishop answered, "The fault for the poor attendance is mine, your Majesty. I let it quietly be known that You would not be with us today. I wanted you to see who was coming to the service just to flatter you, and who had come to worship God."

When Peter confessed his willingness to follow Jesus, he said the right thing.

His actions, would show the confession of his life was different.

That is the work of Satan and his own sinful flesh.  The devil is fully aware  that bold talk costs almost nothing. He is glad when people mumble the Creed. And he is probably doing cartwheels when Christians pray for the conversion of souls, but refuse to give a dollar more to make it happen and keep their mouths zipped tight when they personally have a chance to evangelize.

Thankfully, Jesus, continues to forgive us for our weakness.

As He did for Peter, the Lord Jesus stands ready to help us change.

After all, He has come to give His life as a ransom for many, As He was being lead to the cross, Jesus did not boast; He didn’t put on a bold defense, or even call for a few legions of angels to help Him out.

No, none of that happened. Jesus kept His peace, His defense and His counsel.  Not even a Roman cross, was able to  stop Him from fulfilling His mission which will make you His saved brothers and sisters...

Brothers and sisters whose words bear witness to their forgiveness Jesus has won..

THE PRAYER: Lord Jesus, we sing, "take my life and let it be, consecrated Lord to Thee." Forgive my words when they have been hollow. We sing, "take my silver and my gold, not a mite would I withhold", and then I keep a great deal. Grant me strength to proclaim Your truth not just with words, but with actions. In Your Name I ask it. Amen.

the music which introduces and concludes our devotions was written by Guy Baumann. He along with three of his brothers perform on the album: The Baumann Brothers which may be ordered here: http://thebaumannbrothers.com/index.html