What should you say?
While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were fearful as they entered the cloud. Luke 9:34
Have you ever known people who were uncomfortable with silence? Anytime there is a gap in conversation, they feel the need to fill it? They take it on themselves to keep control of any downtime or lull in social situations and speak whatever comes to their mind. Usually it is useless information, gossip or boasting about their own accomplishments. It can be more awkward than the silence and even annoying at times.
As we read through the gospel accounts of Jesus’ life here on earth, we get a little hint that Peter may have been that kind of person. In today’s reading Peter actually interrupts a conversation Jesus is having with Moses and Elijah. It implies that he felt like he had to say something because he was afraid and didn’t understand fully what he was seeing and hearing.
An interesting thing happened though, God speaks over Peter and tells them that they should listen to His Son Jesus. Basically, telling the disciples that were there that day to stop talking and listen. I’m sure they were very afraid then, in fact in another account of this scene, it says they fell on their faces because they were greatly afraid. (See Matthew 17)
The point is, you do not need to feel pressured into speaking, even when you have thoughts that pop into your head or there is a break in the discussion. It is ok to sit and listen. Check inside your heart to see if there is any prompting from the Holy Spirit. Wait for others to share what is on their heart. It might be an opportunity for you to show interest in what others are up against right now. You can be present without being the center of things.
Today I want to encourage you to first of all, listen to what the Spirit of God is impressing on your heart today. Don’t just plan on doing and saying everything that comes into your mind. Make your conversations and attentions be on what God is doing in other people’s lives and take time to listen to the wisdom that others may be speaking into your life and consider that. Wisdom is found not only in the things you know and say, it is also in the things you don’t say.
Today’s scripture reading: Luke 9:28-36
28 Now it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, that He took Peter, John, and James and went up on the mountain to pray.
29 As He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His robe became white and glistening.
30 And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah,
31 who appeared in glory and spoke of His decease which He was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.
32 But Peter and those with him were heavy with sleep; and when they were fully awake, they saw His glory and the two men who stood with Him.
33 Then it happened, as they were parting from Him, that Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here; and let us make three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said.
34 While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them; and they were fearful as they entered the cloud.
35 And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him!”
36 When the voice had ceased, Jesus was found alone. But they kept quiet, and told no one in those days any of the things they had seen.
The Daily Dose 