"When God Is Silent”
April 2025
Most of us likely know the expression, "Silence speaks louder than words." Years of experience have taught many of us that this proverb is true. Sometimes, we can give a better testimony simply by being silent. This goes to the disappointment of some people who are just looking to find fault. Perhaps there have also been times in life when you thought it best to say nothing. This was certainly the case as our Savior faced charges against Him before the Sanhedrin, Pilate, and Herod.
As Jesus was being tried in a court for doing wrong, He would not make any statements defending Himself. He neither accepted nor denied the charges being brought against Him, to the amazement of Pilate and everyone present. The Gospel writer Matthew states, “But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge–to the great amazement of the governor. Matthew 27:14.
As Jesus was being accused, he was also doing what the Father wanted Him to do and say. He knew that it was the Father’s will that He be tried, accused, and sentenced to death. And He was not going to be the one to stop it and go against the Father’s will.
You may recall that Isaiah prophesied that the "Lamb of God" would remain silent before His accusers and those who unjustly condemned Him. When under oath, He did answer, he did so with confidence and authority, speaking the truth that would be turned against Him. Throughout history, many Christians have also taken a stand for the truth, and for many, it cost them their lives. The prophet Isaiah says “He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth." (NIV)
Jesus was innocent. He didn’t do anything wrong. He didn’t break any Roman laws. Yet he was brought before Pilate. Pilate is the only name that appears in the Apostles’ Creed. Pilate knew fully well that he was innocent. He could see clearly what was going on. He knew the players. And Jesus remained silent.
We have witnessed in our society the incarceration of innocent people of color and others behind prison bars. The Innocence Project has helped prove the innocence of about 43% of the prison population they've taken on. The Innocence Project is a legal clinic that works to identify and correct systemic issues that lead to wrongful convictions. The organization has helped free over 200 innocent people from prison, passed hundreds of laws to prevent wrongful convictions, and developed a network of over 68 Innocence Network partners across the U.S. and around the world.
Silence gives us space, however, for God to speak to our hearts. It is God who speaks in Psalm 46, saying, “Be still, and know that I am God.” The stillness is the time in which God can make himself known to us—to face any challenges to our faith.
God is with us as the Psalmist reminds us: “our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. It is God who speaks in Psalm 46, saying, “Be still, and know that I am God.” The stillness is the time in which God can make himself known to us—to face any challenges to our faith.
A Blessed Resurrection!
Pastor Loreno R. Flemmings
