Hope Awakening: Silence

Written by Jennifer Andes

“Remember the law of Moses my servant, whom I charged at Horeb with statutes and ordinances for all Israel. Now I am sending to you Elijah the prophet, before the day of the Lord comes, the great and terrible day; He will turn the heart of fathers to their sons, and the heart of sons to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the land with utter destruction.” Malachi 4:4-6, ESV

Twice in the Old Testament we witness a significant chunk of time with no words from God. The book of Genesis ends with the deaths of Jacob and Joseph. The tribes of Jacob (Israel) are residing in Egypt during this time to escape a severe famine in their homeland. The book of Exodus picks up about 400 years later. Exodus informs us the Israelites are experiencing bondage and enslavement. A new Pharaoh came to power who didn’t know Joseph, and the Egyptians begin to fear the Israelites because of how numerous their tribes were (God’s promise fulfilled!). They oppress and punish the people. Moses was born in this time and as we discussed before, freed the Israelites.

What happened in the silence? We know God blessed the people because he continued to multiply them. For a while, they lived in peace and harmony near the Egyptians. I would suggest the people probably began to experience a bit of a sin cycle during this time. They were obedient, likely became complacent, and possibly started to assimilate with the Egyptian culture. It’s in their suffering they remember God and cry out to Him. And He rescued them!

We know from our time together yesterday that the Israelites fell into a pattern of rebellion and repentance. Malachi is the final prophet in the Bible, the last one God sent to try and get the Israelites to turn to Him instead of walking their own way. Malachi told the Israelites they “wearied the Lord with [their] words” (2:17). Though the message is dim, the book of Malachi ends with hope. He promises the people that the day of redemption is coming.

And then it’s silent.

For another 400 years, the Israelites do not hear from God through a prophet, judge, or king. What happened during this time? We don’t know much, but we know there are Israelites who continued to be obedient and faithful. I picture the faithful praying every day for God’s Word to come to fruition. The faithful held tight to this promise, knowing that God does not lie and His promises are fulfilled.

Hope follows the silence. Exodus begins by introducing the one who would save Israel from bondage in Egypt. The Gospel of Luke begins by detailing God’s plan to bring the One who would save all humanity from bondage to the world.

All praise and glory be to Him, forever and ever!

Reflection: There are times when God feels far away, silent. Sometimes this overlaps with a difficult time in our life. Perhaps there’s a trial we are walking through and our prayers for resolution go unanswered. Hold to this truth: God always answers our prayers. If you haven’t received a firm yes or no, then you are in a waiting season. Hope follows the silence. Stand firm.