How are You Using Your Voice?

~~~ Hosea 8:4-7, 11-13 ~~~ Psalm 115 ~~~ Matthew 9:32-38 ~~~

A demoniac who could not speak was brought to Jesus,
and when the demon was driven out
 the mute man spoke.

As long as the demon had control
of the poor man he was not able to speak.
Why, was this man mute? What was the connection with the demon?

There seems to be a parallel here between the idols
made of gold and silver and a possessed person.
The idols are modeled after real living persons.
They have all the proper features
of a human being,
 but they cannot compare.
They have mouths that do not speak,
they eyes that do not see, they have ears that do not hear.
They are empty inside;
they do not have the ability to love.

They have no heart with which to share compassion with another.
The idols stand tall as if they are strong and powerful,
but the elements soon scratch and wear away at their shiny polished finish.

This man brought to Jesus stands before one who does hear,
who does see, who does have love and compassion in his heart.

Once the demon was cast out by Jesus the man was free.
He was granted his freedom by the one with flesh and blood.
No idol could ever do the things that Jesus went about doing.

An idol is a mere replica of something that might exist.

Jesus was no replica, Jesus was real.
Jesus was real in every sense of the word.

If you recall God struck Zachariah mute when he was doubtful
 of  God's power to give Elizabeth a child.

Here we see the opposite; it is God's power
that restores the voice of this man.

You have a voice...how are you using it?
Are you using your voice to give praise and glory to God?
Or are you using your voice to be critical, mean, and hateful?

What if you were to lose your ability to speak?
How would you respond?

We are blessed with a God who restores what has been lost.
I invite you to consider how you use your voice.
Let your voice be one of love,
compassion, and forgiveness.
~~~Peace~~~