Today’s Post Written By: Rhonda Stinson
“Thump, thump, thump” are the wonderful sounds of children’s bare feet excitedly running around the house. I don’t have children, so it’s a delight to watch my niece and nephew for a weekend every once in a while. Learning experiences come with each of their visits—learning for me! Here’s one thing I’ve learned: If children are playing around the house and there is total silence, it’s time to see what they’re up to. My niece is the one to watch because she is younger and more curious. When I hear total silence out of her, I immediately go to see what she is doing. She’s usually overturning the doggie bowls, opening bags of candy, digging through my craft bins (which have dangerous things in them such as scissors and sewing needles), or pestering the dogs. In short, silence means to be on the alert. Claire is doing something she shouldn’t!
In Exodus, God instructed Moses to have a robe be made for the high priest, Aaron. The hem of the robe was to be embellished with alternating pomegranates and golden bells. These bells made a low, sweet sound when the priest walked about. Aaron was to wear the robe whenever he ministered in the tabernacle.
“The gold bells and the pomegranates are to alternate around the hem of the robe. Aaron must wear it when he ministers. The sound of the bells will be heard when he enters the Holy Place before the Lord and when he comes out, so that he will not die.” (Exodus 28:34-35)
As the high priest performed his sacred duties, the bells made a sweet sound to the ears of the LORD. The people outside could also hear the reassuring sound of the bell’s jingle while the high priest moved about inside the tabernacle. They knew if the bells stopped, it meant trouble. Why? The LORD had specified the exact duties and the manner in which they were to be carried out. Silence of the bells meant the high priest was not performing his duties as God had instructed, an act resulting in death.
Silence is not always bad, but we must stay alert for times when we aren’t talking to God anymore. Prayer is our communication to God, and the Word is His communication to us.
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me, and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you.” (Jeremiah 29:11-12)
Unless we dedicate a sacred time conversing with God, our relationship with Him will not grow. Are you in a season of silence? God never leaves us; we leave Him.
“For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’” (Hebrews 13:5b)
My niece, Claire, doesn’t realize her silence is my red flag for impending danger. I want keep her away from harm because I love her with all of my heart. It’s the same with God. He wants to hear us, talk to us, and guide us safely down the road of life.
Make some noise! Pray out loud so that Satan knows exactly where you stand and that you are having a wonderful conversation with the great I AM, the King of Kings, Mighty God, Alpha and Omega, your loving Heavenly Father.