[ Today's Readings ]
When they hand you over,
do not worry about how you are to speak
or what you are to say.
A theme Jesus is focusing on this week is that of not letting fear impede the spread of his kingdom. This morning he warns us of the dangers of idolatry.
Say to him, “Forgive all iniquity,
and receive what is good, that we may render
as offerings the bullocks from our stalls.
Assyria will not save us,
nor shall we have horses to mount;
We shall say no more, ‘Our god,’
to the work of our hands;
for in you the orphan finds compassion.”
When we have idols we are ultimately relying on ourselves. When we rely on ourselves we do find speaking up for Jesus a fearful task.
Brother will hand over brother to death,
and the father his child;
children will rise up against parents and have them put to death.
Jesus is calling us to let go of these other things that are not worthy of our trust. He is calling us to let go of any backup plans we have in case he doesn't help. He is calling us to trust him! He offers us something that is more reliable than Assyria or idols. He is offering something more certain than anything we have apart from him.
For it will not be you who speak
but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
He is offering us his Spirit. This is the Spirit of sonship by which we cry out, 'Abba! Father!' (see Romans 8:15). It is a Spirit of love so profound that we can do things with him that we can't do on our own. Things that seem to imperil our very existence are no longer a big deal because the one from whom, through whom, and for whom all things exists (see Romans 11:36) holds us in his hands.
Let us repent of putting anything before this love. Let us look at the places where our hearts are still afraid and give those places over to Jesus.
Behold, you are pleased with sincerity of heart,
and in my inmost being you teach me wisdom.
Cleanse me of sin with hyssop, that I may be purified;
wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
When we put Jesus first he does return to us the joy of our salvation. Where fear had once silenced us our mouths shall now proclaim his praise.
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