July 4. 2 Kings 9 - 11

 

Words are very powerful. Ironically, silence can be equally as powerful. The absence of words can communicate in ways words cannot. In many situations, it opens the door of opportunity for the Holy Spirit to speak directly to the heart. How many times have I been in situations of giving advice, delivering a message, or even discussing frustrations and said too much? Unfortunately, I think it happens more often than I care to admit. It takes great resolve and maturity to only speak what needs to be spoken. Words cannot be taken back once they are given life. Our God is not a God who needlessly rambles.

Even as a prophet is sent to anoint Jehu as king of Israel, the message is short and sweet.

 

2 Kings 9:1 "Meanwhile, Elisha the prophet had summoned a member of the group of prophets. “Get ready to travel,” he told him, “and take this flask of olive oil with you. Go to Ramoth-Gilead, 2 and find Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, son of Nimshi. Call him into a private room away from his friends, 3 and pour the oil over his head. Say to him, ‘This is what the Lord says: I anoint you to be the king over Israel.’ Then open the door and run for your life!”

 

The prophet is instructed to speak what needs to be spoken and get out of there. I think this is an excellent reminder that the power of a message is not found in a multitude of magnificent memoirs, it is found in the truth of the message. Simple. Plain. Undeniable truth. 

As we speak with one another, may our words be fundamentally founded in truth. May we not over complicate things and muddy each other’s minds with many words. Let’s help one another create space in the conversation for the Holy Spirit to speak directly to the heart. Guarding our words and sometimes even sitting in silence can prevent needless chatter and help us practice the mature discipline of careful communication. My hope and desire are that I communicate truths that are truly full of care.