Lent Reflection, Day 20, March 23

He was oppressed and treated harshly, yet he never said a word. He was led as a lamb to the slaughter. And as a sheep is silent before the shearers, he did not open his mouth.
Isaiah 53:7

Additional Reading: Psalm 83:1-18

We sit, crouched in a corner, watching the horrible scene unfold before us. Let the truth be told! A person’s rights are being violated, trampled on. Let the truth be told! When it all comes out, then the wrong will be righted, the evil halted. Let the truth be told!

Why won’t he just SAY something!? Why will he not speak? Is it guilt that closes his mouth, or despair? The silence of Jesus fills the room. His life, almost gone, towers over the heads of those who call out their lies. The drama of salvation moves along at a snail’s pace and Jesus remains quiet. In the end he will speak … won’t he? No. Not now.

This fiery trial did not come upon him as a result of thieving, vice, or traitorous shame. Nor is his silence an indulgence in sullen hate. The contempt of the world comes to him by way of holiness. And holiness keeps him silent, baffling his accusers and tearing at his friends. The court before which he stands is not worthy of his defense.

To hold our tongue, especially when it’s in our own defense – this is strength. When we have been silent long enough, humbled under God’s mighty hand, then he will lift us up – “humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6)

Prayer: Father, I surrender my rights. I throw myself on your justice and your mercy as your beloved adopted child. May it be your will rather than my “vindication” that is served. Help me be silent when it serves your best interests. Lord Jesus, lead in holiness, that even in silence your life might speak through me. Amen.