amazed by His answer, they were silent

In the One Year Bible today, we read from Luke 20:1-26. Jesus is answering the questions that the teachers of the law are using to try to trap Him. And He's answering them so well that "amazed by His answer, they were silent."

There's another time in the Bible that God's answers produce silence. In the book of Job, most of the characters in the story seem to be accusing God of dealing with Job unfairly. But then God speaks, and the only proper response is silence.

Of course, there are exceptions to the statement Dostoesvky makes in the pic above. There are times to speak, and times to remain silent. When dealing with people who need hope, our words bring comfort and joy. When we're dealing with other people in general, speaking the truth in love is usually better than not saying anything at all.

But when we're in the presence of God, silence is usually the best posture. When St John Vianney asked a peasant man what form his prayer took when he was in the presence of God for hours on end, the peasant replied, "I look at Him, and He looks at me." Sometimes that's the best form our prayer can take. To lay the burden of words aside, and just BE in His presence. You've probably experienced that kind of intimacy with your spouse or children at some point. When words are unnecessary, and you can just BE together. That's the kind of intimacy that, sometimes, is best with God too.

Let's be amazed by His answer, and be silent.

God, thanks for calling us to all forms of prayer - even the silent type.