Awakened before my family, I lean on the kitchen counter, sip tea and wipe slumber on my pajama sleeves. Push the butcher knife through peeled potatoes, slice skinny carrots into barbarian wheels, and chop onions until fumes keep my eyes sealed shut. It’s after I pull the leg of lamb from the brown paper wrapper and lay it on the cutting board that tears begin to form. And I lay the knife down.
I cook every day, but today as I prepare Sabbath dinner in my crockpot, I see an innocent lamb raised somewhere by an unknown farmer, giving its life for my stew. I thank God for the sacrifice. And the dominoes of what I know about Jesus stacked neatly on the floor of my faith; they collide into a sighing heap.
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. Isaiah 53:7 ESV
In a world of chatter and endless news updates I’m thinking about His silence. How Jesus didn’t defend himself, have a platform or place to lay His head at night. Leaning on the shoulder of the well-meaning should, I’m weary; enslaved by the ten points of other’s, simulating their success.
I want to hide in the corner, curl up in His lap. And learn from what He tells me not to say.
I’m honored to be the featured write for Imperfect Prose at Emily Wierenga’s place. Won’t you click over and finish the story there? I’d love to meet you in the comments.
Amen, Shelly. “Constrain me Lord, when I need to listen”. I (particularly) loved this post, because I so often grow so weary of ALL the voices in our world today. So much talking–so little actually being said that’s worth listening to. Silence seems so foreign, and scary, to people today. We’re so plugged in, and at the same time tuned-out.
I’m thinking of that horrible, disgusting movie that came out several years ago now, ‘The Silence of The Lambs’ (did NOT watch it), and then I think of “The Silence of The Lamb (Of God)” Who took away the sins of the world! “Man of Sorrows”…What a Name, for the Son of God Who came. Ruined sinners to reclaim, Hallelujah! What A Saviour!
But, I get your point, Shelly. Staying humble. Staying silent. Forgetting popularity and the applause of man as we seek to live for Him. Letting what we do for Him speak for itself to a watching world. Just as He did, as He hung, in utter shame and horrendous pain, upon that cruel Cross before a sneering, jeering world. Amazing Love personified…in silence.
We’re so plugged in and at the same time tuned-out. I love this Jillie, you are so right. I really do long to just curl up in His lap and I’m going to attempt to be intentional about doing that during Holy Week and be a little more quiet around here. I think what He has to say is much more important than anything I have to contribute to the noise.
Just have to say here, Shelly, YOU are NOT “contributing to the noise” of the world. What you write is Spirit-inspired, beautiful, lovely, soothing to the soul. You are NOT ‘just a talking head’, as they say. What you have to say is a world of difference to what so many ‘others’ think they are contributing to the ‘wisdom’ and ‘intellect’ of the world. That’s why so many seek you out, as I do. What you write, feeds my soul.
Hi Shelly,
What a great post. Reminds me of Philippians chap 2 in the Bible. Thank you so much for sharing! Nice to meet you. Thank you for stopping by HomeEducatorMom.com.
Nice visiting with you too. I’m going to go read that chapter now, you’ve got me curious.
“In a world of chatter and endless news updates I’m thinking about His silence.” Oh, yes, me too. I wish it weren’t so hard, but I’m also looking for that corner to hide in. I’m also eager to know all that I shouldn’t say.
Thank you for this.
Hope you enjoy your break Christie, that photo and your words really resonated with me on your post. I want to live the resurrection too. Looking forward to a lot of listening myself this week.
So beautiful. I hear the same whispers about silence, about opening up to listen rather than speak. It’s hard to step outside the frenzy, everyone jostling to be heard, and just go wait in the quiet with Christ. Thank you for the encouragement to do so. And thank you for your visit to my space yesterday. Your encouragement is a blessing.
It is lovely to meet you. I’ve seen your blog name on several blog rolls and glad I finally clicked over. Appreciate you coming by here as well.