15 Aware of this, Jesus withdrew from that place. A large crowd followed him, and he healed all who were ill. 16 He warned them not to tell others about him.17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
18 “Here is my servant whom I have chosen,
the one I love, in whom I delight;
I will put my Spirit on him,
and he will proclaim justice to the nations.
19 He will not quarrel or cry out;
no one will hear his voice in the streets.
20 A bruised reed he will not break,
and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out,
till he has brought justice through to victory.
21 In his name the nations will put their hope.”
Matthew 12:15-21
How do you react to intimidating situations? Some people puff up and respond with a show of strength, while others shrink back and hide away, preferring to avoid conflict. Jesus did neither. Under the constant criticism and threats of violence he continued his ministry with calm clarity and wisdom. While he healed the sick and invited people to follow his teachings, he kept asking people to keep quiet and not to share about what was happening. He neither shrunk back nor did he become defiant. Instead, he showed wisdom and patience.
He saw the dangers, adapted and continued moving forwards.
I find that often when we face times of conflict our instinct is to do one of two things: to entrench, start using caps lock too much on social media and get defensive; or to compromise, lay aside our convictions for the sake of peace. However, neither are healthy or helpful responses. We need to learn to stand strong and confident in our convictions, while also showing wisdom in how we live them out. Brene Brown writes:
Whenever I'm faced with a vulnerable situation, I get deliberate with my intentions by repeating this to myself: "Don't shrink. Don't puff up. stand your sacred ground." Saying this little mantra helps me remember not to get too small so other people are comfortable and not throw up my armour as a way to protect myself.
This is incredibly practical and helpful. Yes, we need to stand our sacred ground but, in the words of Peter, do so with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15), to live as ‘wise as servants and innocent as doves.’ Faith is personal but can never remain private. So, wherever your faith leads you today, walk forwards with humble, wise confidence.
Don’t shrink. Don’t puff up. Stand your sacred ground.
Reflect
- Do you tend to puff up or shrink back when challenged?
- What do you need to show courage for today?
Respond
Pause and pray. Think about your street. Spend some time praying for the people who live around you and their needs. Ask God to show you how to help and serve them.
