June 29, 2012 What Did You Say?

What Did You Say? Mark 15:12-14 “What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?” Pilate asked them. 13 “Crucify him!” they shouted. 14 “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!” DO YOU wonder if those people had any idea what they were saying? Yes, of course, they knew what crucifixion was. They knew if Pilate listened to them, Jesus would die. But do you think they knew what they were saying? Consider for example some of the things you might say. You angrily shout to someone you love, “Shut up!” You tell your kids in a loud voice, “Don’t you ever do that again.” You impatiently tell your wife, “I’ll get it done!” as you leave the house the night after you’ve expressed love to her. You tell your kids, “I know I promised, but…” Do you have any idea what you’re saying? The crowd’s words called to kill Jesus, and they had no idea how their words brought God’s judgment on them. You speak in unloving, impatient, self-focused ways to your family, and you have no idea how your words bring God’s judgment on you. Yes, they do. God is clear, dads about being humble and submissive to your wife—to the point of death!—and not exasperating your children. God is clear, moms, about being humble and submissive to your husbands and not exasperating your children. I know, God commands your children to honor you. My question is, “Do they have an honorable parent to honor?” Watch what you say. Always, always find ways to speak encouragement, patience, love and affirmation to your beloved ones, your neighbors and your church. Before you speak, make sure you have an idea you know what you are saying. Pause and consider your speech.