What to do in Jesus’ presence? To speak or to shush?

[Leonardo Von]

What to do in Jesus’ presence? To speak or to shush?

•    Amo 6:10 -> “ And when one's relative, the one who anoints him for burial, shall take him up to bring the bones out of the house, and shall say to him who is in the innermost parts of the house, “Is there still anyone with you?” he shall say, “No”; and he shall say, “Silence! We must not mention the name of the LORD.” ”.

All of us know that to pray is very important. Nonetheless, to pray isn’t only to speak. It is, chiefly, to hear His voice. There are many excerpts which steer us to hush before the Creator, and this for the following reasons:

1 – Because the Lord is in his holy temple, that is to say, us (1Cor 3:16; 6:19; 2Cor 6:16):

•    Hab 2:20 -> “But the LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth keep silence before him.”.

2 – Because the day of the Lord (which, today, is Jesus’ coming) is near:

•    Zep 1:7 -> “Be silent before the Lord GOD! For the day of the LORD is near; the LORD has prepared a sacrifice and consecrated his guests.”.

3 – Because He roused Himself to act in favor of His Church (Ps 46:10):

•    Zec 2:13  Be silent, all flesh, before the LORD, for he has roused himself from his holy dwelling.

4 – In virtue of the terrible destruction coming from the Creator’s judgment:

•    Amo 8:3 -> “The songs of the temple shall become wailings in that day,” declares the Lord GOD. “So many dead bodies!” “They are thrown everywhere!” “Silence!”.

In particular, in regard to Amos 6:10, this is the reason because the person said: “Silence! We must not mention the name of the LORD.”. The fear of the Creator precluded them of praising Him with songs, including lamentations. Most of the people wouldn’t be able to sing. The few who would, would be hampered for the Israelites.

The truth is that:

•    Ecc 3:1,4,7 -> “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;”.

For instance: there was a time that the Creator instructed people to weep:

•    Joe 2:12,13 -> “ “Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; and rend your hearts and not your garments.” Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.”.

In this case, it was necessary to rue for the sins.

Notwithstanding, Nehemiah and Ezra instructed people to be happy in the presence of the Creator:

•    Neh 8:9-11 -> “And Nehemiah, who was the governor, and Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the people, “This day is holy to the LORD your God; do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept as they heard the words of the Law. Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” So the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be quiet, for this day is holy; do not be grieved.” “.

In this case, they were crying in virtue of what they were hearing in the Holy Scripture. Probably their cry was in virtue of their lack of disposition in obey the law. They desired to serve the Creator, but as it was fit for them (as we can see in Amos 4:5). 

Other example of contrast is shown below:

•    Amo 5:13 -> “Therefore he who is prudent will keep silent in such a time, for it is an evil time.”.
•    2Ti 4:2 -> “preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.”.

A good example of the importance of the silence is Mary, Jesus’ mother. On the cross, Mary could have tried to debar the guards to arrest Jesus, alleging, for instance, that Jesus was crazy. She could have done a scandal or something like that. Nonetheless, she, in silence, watched the crucifixion of His son. Certainly she recollected what was prophesied about Him to her (Luke 2:29-35) and believe in Jesus (even though, certainly, she didn’t figure out everything).

Furthermore, recollect the example let by Jesus:

•    Isa 53:7 -> “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.”.

So, have a good day praying to Jesus, but spending time to hear His voice and, of course, act like Him.