Numbers 17:8 The next day Moses entered the tent and saw that Aaron’s staff, which represented the tribe of Levi, had not only sprouted but had budded, blossomed and produced almonds.
Unspoken words are non-verbal communication such as thoughts, feelings, or messages conveyed through non-verbal cues like body language, facial expressions and silence. A fruitful lifestyle preaches powerful sermons without uttering a word.
One of the best sermons that Moses preached to the congregation of Israel was without words. Moses was not an eloquent preacher neither was he trained in Bible college to address an impatient crowd. However, he preached a message that shut the slandering mouths by bringing the budded staff of Aaron out of the tent. There was an ego clash among the leaders of the travelling Israelites. They grumbled against the Lord’s appointed priest, Aaron and the pastor and prophet – Moses. Offense and opposition opened the door for a breakout of God’s wrath and plague among the people. Hence the Lord decided to preach to the bickering backbiters a non-verbal sermon. Twelve staff with the name of each tribe were placed in the tent of worship. The staff that buds, blossoms and produces almond fruits would authenticate the appointment to the ministry calling. Aaron’s staff budded, blossomed and produced almond fruits in about 12 hours!
Jesus reiterated the same principle. “You will know them by their fruits” (Matthew 7:20). Most powerful sermons are preached by the fruits we bear. Our spiritual gifts do not testify about us. Gifts are granted to us to glorify God and to bless others but a fruitful lifestyle of love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, gentleness, meekness and self-control is the voice of our testimony.
The early church was severely persecuted during the reign of Nero (AD 54–68). However, the way they forgave their persecutors, loved the downtrodden, accepted the outcast and the boldness and peace with which they faced death bewildered the ruthless king. The fruitful lives of the early church preached non-verbal sermons.
Non-verbal sermons:
- Faithfulness: The ungodly watch our faith and faithfulness during tough times.
- Forbearance: Patience is silent endurance but forbearance is joyful perseverance.
- Fruitfulness: Our fruitful life is the only Bible that many non-believers read.
Fruitful lives are much more powerful than a thousand words.
Prayer: Dearest Lord Jesus, give me the perseverance to bear fruit and testify you. Amen.
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