Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

 ⁶  For he did not know what to answer; for they became terrified.

 ⁷  Then a cloud formed, overshadowing them, and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is My beloved Son, listen to Him!”  Mark 9:5-7.

I see two lessons here.  First, we tend to talk too much when we do not know how to answer.    Second, we do need to listen to Jesus more particularly through reading the Scriptures.

I need to practice what I preach.  There are parts of Scripture that I do not understand as well as other parts.  I need to either refrain from commenting or at least choose a minor point which I do understand, rather than the major point which I do not understand, upon which to comment.  Generally, it is OK to either be silent or answer:  “I don’t know.” 

Funerals illustrate the wisdom of the first lesson.  Earlier this month, I attended two funerals of two 25 year old young men who were the best friends of my middle son.  What does one say to the parents?  I found myself not saying anything, but just presenting myself for hugs and listening to them.  They seemed glad to hug me and they said whatever they wanted, and I replied with as much sympathy and kindness as I could in as few words as possible. 

On the other hand, my son was able to tell the parents the conversations that he had with their son in which their son discussed his faith.  My son remembered what their son said about Jesus.  My son was able to provide much comfort to the parents based on these conversations and the Scripture that he quoted that their son was saved and in heaven.  These parents told all those attending the funeral that my son’s comments meant the most to them.  In review of one’s life at a funeral, we are forced to consider what is most important and that is one’s faith in Jesus.