Let The Holy Spirit Speak

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Reading: Mark 13

Reflection: There is an interesting statement within Mark 13 that, at first glance at least, looks a little bit odd. Jesus warns His disciples that they will be handed over to leaders and called upon to testify for the sake of the gospel. Now, this is not surprising. However, because this is going to happen, Jesus warns his followers to NOT PREPARE IN ADVANCE what you will say. Rather, Jesus encourages them to simply follow the leading of the Holy Spirit and say what He leads them to say. Did you hear that? Do not prepare in advance what you are to say, but simply follow the leading of the Holy Spirit! Many times we do just the opposite. We carefully craft every word, every story, every illustration, ever point. We want to put our best foot forward and do the best job we can. However, when WE do that it is WE and not God who is speaking. So, maybe we should prepare less and pray more. Maybe we should let the Holy Spirit lead us rather than leading ourselves. Maybe we should have the courage to trust that the Lord will show up and speak through a person who is praying that He will do just that. Let's allow the Holy Spirit to speak through us.