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A Time To Speak
Mark 3:1-6
In Mark3:1-6, we have an account of Jesus healing a man with a withered hand in
the synagogue. Several things are noteworthy in this record. First of all, we
are told the motives of the Pharisees so that we can see into their hearts just
as clearly as our Lord could as He stood before them. They were waiting for Him
to act "in order that they might accuse him."
The second thing I see is that when Jesus asked a question to get them to reveal
their own convictions "...they kept silent." Does this not seem strange for men
who seem to have such concrete opinions, as the Pharisees did, about how to
serve God? It may seem a little less strange if we consider that this would be
the exact method used by hypocrites whose "convictions" could be molded to suit
the occasion. They would not want to commit themselves to any position until
they saw what sort of situation it would put them into, no matter how right it
might be.
Again, I note that Jesus is "grieved," He is "angry," and it was their stubborn
hearts that made him that way. Their hard hearts would not even allow them to
say that healing this man's hand was a good thing. When our "positions" force us
to not even be able to say a good thing is good, we had better be re-thinking
the issue.
But lastly, there is a point of human nature here that needs to be identified.
Can we notice on this occasion that those whose minds were already made up and
whose hearts were stubbornly resistant were paying close attention to the
Master. They were given the opportunity to take a part in this teaching session
and commend the good work that Jesus was about to do. They could have been a
positive voice and taken their side with the Lord. Instead, as the opportunity
to do good and speak good things arose, they remained silent. They had made
their choice to watch Jesus and accuse. Their voices were only going to be used
for destructive purposes. And sure enough, verse 6 says that is exactly what
they did. This is the mating of human nature and opportunity that is so often
seen. When opportunities for honor and praise and encouragement and commendation
come along, we are silent, while the accusers, and grumblers, and fault finders
always await their opportunity to speak.
The point of this article is "not" to rebuke those with destructive tongues and
admonish them to silence. That point is too obvious and we do not expect hearts
that are hardened in that way to respond to such a humble plea. No, the point of
this article is pointed the other way, to those with good hearts who have
decided that they will follow Christ. To these good people we offer
encouragement. I believe that in different ways, Jesus is still speaking and
teaching today. And I believe that from time to time we are presented with
opportunities to speak good things. Do not take the easy way of the fault
seeking Pharisees. People and brethren (being human) will always make mistakes
that you "can" seize on and point out to others if you wish. Let me encourage
you to not let an opportunity to speak of good things pass you by. If your wife
is "fixed up," tell her she's pretty. If a person puts forth some effort,
appreciate it. When the Lord gives you opportunity to take His side and
encourage, build up, strengthen, help, commend or amen - take it. It is the time
to speak! Those that criticize and demean others always seem to find
opportunities to speak. It is time that more good folk used the same
opportunities. God bless your efforts on behalf of others.
By Carl MacMurray
From Expository Files 3.5; May 1996
