Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Silence of God

We often associate silence of God to unanswered prayers. We have come to expect three kinds of answers when we ask God for help; Yes, No or Wait. When we do not receive an answer we begin to fall into despair. As cruel and unbearable the silence can be, there is a profound meaning in this silence. In John 11:1-15, 32-37 we read about the death and resurrection of Lazarus. This story provides a great insight into the silence of God.
  1. Silence of God is an answer - The first step in every one's faith is to accept that God comprehends your situation better than anyone else. After all, how can we claim to believe in an all-knowing, omnipotent God and not accept this truth. The second step, and often the stumbling block for most, is to believe that God love for us is greater than anything in the world. Whether it's for you, or for someone else, your feelings for your loved ones pales in comparison to His. v35 summaries this powerful notion in on simple phrase, "Jesus Wept". Jesus, who knew that he will raise Lazarus from the dead, still wept for him.
  2. Silence follows and fortifies faith - Faith is believing in advance what only makes sense in hindsight. It is only through our struggles and trials that we grow with the Lord. It is impossible to grow spiritually without ever being tested.
  3. Silence ushers into greater intimacy and revelation - Is your perception of God as a giver of gifts? If so then your understanding of our Lord is greatly limited. Prayers is a way to align ourselves with God's purpose, not the other way around. As much as we should rejoice in the blessings of the Lord, we must also rejoice in the silence. Because silence serves as an opportunity to come closer to God. For God will never burden us with something He feels we can not handle. Ultimately, silence is God's way of telling us that He trusts we are strong enough to receive a great revelation. In v15 we hear Jesus tell his disciples that Lazarus' death and eventual resurrection will serve a purpose to help us believe. It will give faith to His followers.

Silence is God's way of asking you for your trust. Do you trust that God is in control? That no matter how dire the situation might be, He always has your interest at heart? Do you believe in His love for you? If you can not come to accept this truth then your faith will wittle away and be replace with doubt.

--from Nakwon EM November 11th 2007 Sunday Worship Service
*To listen to this sermon in its entirety, please contact James Kim

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

silence of comment.

But, we read this one! Ray.

little jane said...

:) yes.... veryyyy good message.

i must hear the audio for this one :P