Silent, Still, Surrendered

Revelation 1 describes the beauty and majesty of Jesus. He is dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet (the dress of a high priest) with a golden sash around his chest (the dress of a King). His head and hair white like wool (wisdom, eternity), his eyes like blazing fire (all seeing, all consuming, refining). His feet like bronze glowing in a furnace (he will return in judgment) and his voice like the sound of rushing water (commands authority, drowns out all other voices). He holds the pastors & leaders in His right hand (protection & sustaining power) and out of his mouth is a double-edged sword (the Word of God). His face like the sun shining in all its brilliance (He is light). When John turns to see the voice who was speaking to him, the Word reads, "When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his hand on me and said..." (Revelation 1:17)

John turns and fell at Jesus' feet, as though dead. What are characteristics of a dead man? Silent, still, surrendered. These words have been a revelation to me this week. To be silent, still and surrendered to Jesus Christ.

• Silent~ no argueing, no justifying, no whining or complaining, no asking, no speaking, quiet
• Still ~ not moving, quiet, without movement
• Surrendered ~ Your will, not mine; Your way, not mine; All for Your glory, body & mind given to you; handed over to You; submitted to You; yielded to You

This week I wrote those 3 words in permanent marker on my hand....to remind myself that I was one who desired to live silent, still and surrendered to Jesus. I made the decision to be silent with my mouth, so does no voice=silence? Not this week. My mind went talking for me! I had many thoughts & ideas & words rambling through my mind. What a lesson the Lord taught me through my vocal silence.....it is not only my voice that needed to be silent before Him. I had to practice quieting my mind (the place of the attitudes, will & emotions). My mind had to be commanded to be silent, still and surrendered to the Lord. I need to be a "like a dead man" inside & out, so that I can feel Jesus place his right hand on me and speak....