It must have been quite a scene: people pouring out of the synagogue, their voices clamoring loudly as they ran Jesus out of town and tried to throw him off a cliff. All that commotion! All that noise! And all because of some comments he made in a sermon.
It’s not uncommon, in mob scenes like this, for people to lose track of the real reason why they are so upset. What had Jesus said that caused such a reaction anyway? Was it because he had said that he came to heal, to restore, and to bring freedom? Was it because he had hinted that Gentiles might be more open to his message than his fellow Jews? Or were there just too many voices causing too much tumult for no reason?
Our lives can be filled with a multitude of voices as well, and they can cause us the same kind of tumult. We must tend to some of them, like the voices reminding us of our duties to our jobs, our families, and our communities. Some want to inform us of the news, share the hottest gossip, or tell us about the latest trends in fashion or entertainment. And then there are those voices that try to remind us of past offenses—so as to keep us locked in guilt or fear or resentment—or try to lead us into new temptations. Anxious voices, fretful voices, angry voices, excited voices, even calm and measured voices: there are just so many!
Take a long, deep breath. And another. And a third. Let all these voices grow silent right now, if only for a few minutes. Picture yourself sitting with Jesus in a quiet room or by a peaceful stream. Focus only on his voice. Let him tell you that he is with you, ready to remove your spiritual blindness, strengthen you against temptation, bind up your wounds, and open your heart to his love. His is the only voice you need to listen to right now.
What is he telling you? Whatever you think it is, write it down and take it with you into this week. Focus on him, and let the other voices take second place. Jesus is with you, and he has the true words of wisdom and life.
“Lord, I want to know you more today. Speak, Lord. I am listening.”
1 Corinthians 2:1-5 Psalm 119:97-102