I've just begun reading the lengthy biography of Alexander Hamilton, and I'm amazed at all the research and recollection gathered from his childhood despite his being, estranged and adopted early in life. Jesus' life, however, is still much a mystery today. We know nothing about his maturation years; no anecdotes or sibling stories are told. We assume he was a carpenter based on historical facts and documentation. We do know a little about his family background, but why aren't there any recorded events or miracles performed by this "Prince of Peace" when he was young? There seem to be many "quiet" years without significance.
Yet, when you juxtapose his childhood with his death, the dots start to connect. Jesus could have made a lot of noise during his persecution, but instead kept his mouth closed, like a sheep walking to his shearers (Isa 53:7). Perhaps his wisdom and strength were best suited in meekness.
Even a meek child is clearly made to converse and shout for joy; it is part of our humane DNA. However, we have created a new artificial vein: being "known" by the world. How many people can we adjoin to our lives? No matter your opinion of the man, Jesus certainly reached the masses by the end of his life. His death alone was unforgettable. But his "ministry" didn't start until he was thirty years old, and then (many think) it was vainly halted after three years. Today, we need hundreds or thousands of "likes" and a lasting legacy to feel significant.
Many people desire to live great lives, or at least be seen, heard and known after they're gone. Couple that with the pressure to "connect" digitally, and we can't turn off or unplug unless our power is pulled. This creates a virtual reality that every moment must be documented, witty, and viral-worthy. In actuality, only a few important moments in our lifetime will be remembered, and even those by a select few. It's the millions of monotonous moments that hold more significance for our future.
In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it. (Isaiah 30:15)
If you are alone in a quarantine, it can feel lengthy and pointless, but we must sit still and quiet long enough to make a lasting difference. When we are given a moment to move, to speak, or to boldly break barriers, we will know just how to proceed because we sat and strengthened in the quiet.
I have a couple kids who can't get a word-in because of talkative counterparts. However, quiet quarantine has created a new limelight in over lives. Love for our immediate surroundings and the small, seemingly insignificant aspects has been loudly highlighted by my four little men. They get to see a whole new meaning to what is "known" and trust that we don't always see with our eyes or hear with our ears. But we trust in faith, believe with hope and love eternally.
Even though he was "known" before COVID, John Krasinski is making meaningful noise right now that started small, but keeps growing louder. Here's "Some Good News" to keep you quietly or "loudly" still in your place!
Maybe more of us will find quiet noise that redirects others to an eternal perspective. Our mouths may be masked and our hospitals staff overwhelmed, but there is strength in this stillness.
~CC
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