I have been pretty hard on our speaking of words in recent snacks, and I do need to at least address another facet of this diamond of relationships. I cannot imagine what it would be like to not be able to speak aloud, although I know there are folks who find themselves in just that position in life.

My mind goes to Zechariah, husband of Elizabeth and father of John the Baptist, who was struck deaf and dumb by the Archangel Gabriel when he questioned the word about the Incarnation of the Messiah, and his son’s role in that wonder. This priest of God wasn’t allowed to screw up the whole thing by his negative words.

Throughout history the prophets of God were instructed to speak the word of the Lord to the people of God. That was a good thing. The prophet Hosea was instructed to speak to God with words, as we read in 14.2: ‘Take words with you and return to the LORD.’ He needed to open his mouth to God, not to the people.

We are even told exactly what he is told to speak: ‘Say to him: “Forgive all our sins and receive us graciously, that we may offer the fruit of our lips.”’ The words were those of repentance, in order to be forgiven, in order that he might freely praise God. The Word of God and words to God are to bear the fruit of faith in us for the glory of God and his kingdom. SPEAK FRUITFUL WORDS TO GOD!