30 July 2016 - speak life

[ Today's Readings ]

We are called to be prophetic. God calls us to speak his message even if it comes with a cost for us.

As for me, I am in your hands; 
do with me what you think good and right.

Even if we end up like John the Baptist we can't excuse ourselves from this calling.

“Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”

We have to speak the words the LORD gives us to speak even if they are hard words.

It was the LORD who sent me to prophesy against this house and city
all that you have heard.

It is precisely in this, that we care about something greater than ourselves, that our words have the power to convince.

This man does not deserve death;
it is in the name of the LORD, our God, that he speaks to us.

We don't speak out of selfish motivation. This isn't about what we get. It isn't even about being seen as correct. It is about a truth which is too important to ignore. It is about words which are not our words but which instead are given to us for the sake of others.

When we speak these words they have the anointing of the Spirit. They have power. They make God known by his power at work in us. People don't always understand perfectly right away.

This man is John the Baptist.
He has been raised from the dead;
that is why mighty powers are at work in him.

But if we are not afraid to proclaim the words we are given they will recognize the mighty powers at work in us.

“See, you lowly ones, and be glad;
you who seek God, may your hearts revive!
For the LORD hears the poor,
and his own who are in bonds he spurns not.”