There are times in life when we wonder where God is? We cry out and hear no answer. We call upon His name and all we hear is silence. There is no action only hurt. So we wonder where God is.
But like most of you already know, God is never silent. He is always working, always moving, always orchestrating. He has a much bigger goal in mind and while we may not understand it, we have to trust it. He brings all things together in His perfect timing. And more often than not His timing is not our timing because quiet simply we live to near sighted. And we know this because of Scripture.
The 400 years of silence in the bible, the time between the Old Testament and New Testament, teaches us so much yet God was silent. His people cried out for justice and freedom from their oppressors. But it was these very oppressors that paved the way to bring about the perfect timing for their ultimate freedom. Not just temporary freedom from their earthly rulers but an eternal freedom from all chains.
How So?
There were four major empires that ruled during these 400 years. Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece and Rome. God used each one of these empires to prepare for the coming King.
Babylon - During Babylon's reign, there were two major developments that allowed for "easier" access to God. Synagogues and Scribes. The Synagogues allowed for local worship rather than having to travel to Jerusalem. In fact, Jesus often taught at local synagogues. The Scribes copied and taught scripture. No longer did people only rely on oral traditions. Many could study it for them selves.
Medo-Persia - It was during this reign that the exiled Jews were allowed to return back to Jerusalem. Medo-Persia gave financial support for the rebuilding on the Temple and the Jerusalem Wall. Thus establishing the center of worship once again.
Greece - There are many aspects that came out of the Greece Empire. One being the Pharisees and Sadducees. The other being one of the biggest aspects which is the "common" language. Many of the Jews adopted to the Greek language and cultural way of living. Thus the Old Testament being translated in to Greek and crossing cultural boarders.
Rome - This powerhouse allowed for self-government with a governor. Rome brought about major trade routes with roads which allowed for the Gospel to spread like wildfire after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Galatians 4:4 But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son.
It was God who used these pagan empires. These empires that God's people distrusted and even despised. These empires who ruled when they thought God was absent. These empires where the people wondered if God abandoned them. It was these empires that developed local worship, access to scripture, a rebuilding of a people, a common language and a major road system that allowed for the Good News of Jesus Christ to reach the ends of the earth.
God may seem silent maybe even absent in your life, but we know from history past that God is always working His master plan. We may not understand it. But we can have faith in it. And someday when we look back, we will see Him in it.
Be Still and know that I am God. I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world. Psalm 46:10
"I am the Alpha and the Omega-the beginning and the end," says the Lord God. "I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come-the Almighty One" Revelations 1:8
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