One morning, as the sun began to peek through the windows, I casually glanced at my calendar. The date on the calendar reminded me that the next presidential election was just days away. It's hard to forget with all the constant coverage on the local news stations.
I began to think about the upcoming election and how it differed from the last presidential election season. I noted one huge difference.
In 2020, there was a significant emphasis on prophetic messages and divine revelations regarding the upcoming election. Many individuals were vocal in sharing their predictions and the insights they believed they had received from God.
However, this year's election has unfolded in a notably different manner. It is striking that there seems to be a lack of prophetic voices speaking about the election's outcome. It seems many are silent.
400 Years of Silence
I recall another time in biblical history when there was silence. This silence lasted for 400 years.
The "400 Years of Silence" is the term theologians use to describe the period between the book of Malachi and the beginning of the New Testament and its Gospels. During this time, there was a lack of prophetic words from the Lord. Before that period, God had communicated with His people in various ways, such as walking with Adam in the Garden of Eden and speaking directly to Abraham. He also communicated with Moses through a burning bush. However, historical records indicate that He did not speak for 400 years (as far as we know).
If you study this time, you will learn something insightful. Just because God was not speaking does not mean that He had abandoned His people. No, quite the opposite. During that time, God was setting the stage for the redemption He had already promised. As the Bible declares, He was working all things for our good (Romans 8:28). (Photo via Unsplash)
Between the final words of the book of Malachi and the opening words of the New Testament, circumstances were being created for the arrival of our Savior, Jesus Christ, on Earth. During this period, God was actively at work orchestrating events to bring about the fulfillment of His divine plan for His people.
It was during this period of silence that the Pax Romana took place. It was roughly a "200-year-long period of Roman history which is identified as a golden age of increased and sustained Roman imperialism, relative peace and order, prosperous stability, hegemonic power, and regional expansion" (Wikipedia).
Also during that time, roadways were put in place and a reliable mail system was built, setting the stage for those who would become apostolic leaders to travel and send letters to those longing to hear the gospel. In addition, synagogues were being established all over, becoming the future ground for Christian gatherings.
The Silence Ends
All these things were taking place while God was seemingly silent.
Then, abruptly, the years of silence ended. He was picking up right where Malachi left off.
They ended with Zacharias, a faithful priest, and a visit from the angel Gabriel.
"But the angel said to him, 'Do not be afraid, Zacharias, your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John... And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. He will also go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, "to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children," and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord'" (Luke 1:13, 16–17).
During this period, when God seemed distant, He was working out His plan.
God's Promise to Us
Understanding what occurred during those 400 years may help us comprehend other times when it has seemed as if God has been silent and aloof.
Have you ever experienced times in your life when it felt as if God was silent, elusive, and nowhere to be found? Was it at a time in your life when you needed to hear His voice the most? I know I have. (Photo via PickPik)
God will never leave us nor forsake us (Deuteronomy 31:6).
This promise from God is a comforting truth that we can hold onto. He has assured us that He will always be by our side, never abandoning us. His faithfulness and reliability are unwavering, and His word can always be trusted. Even during moments when it seems like His presence is elusive, we can take solace in knowing that He is actively shaping every circumstance for our benefit.
What is our role then? It's to keep seeking God and His word, to keep growing spiritually, to persist, and to move forward in faith. Trust that He is a God of His word.
The 400 years of silence in biblical history serves as a powerful reminder of God's constant presence and activity, even in times when it may seem like He is distant. Despite the silence, God's ultimate plan unfolded when He broke His silence, and the Word became flesh. This period of silence serves as a hopeful reminder that even when we feel like our prayers are unanswered and declarations seem unheard, there is a divine timing for everything. When God speaks again, the manifestation of our prayers and declarations over our lives, families, and nations will become evident. May we patiently wait for His timing and trust that His word will come to pass.
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Kim Potter
A New Thing Ministries
Email:Â Kim@anewthingministries.com
Website:Â www.anewthingministries.com
Kim Potter is the founder of A New Thing Ministries, which sends a daily teaching to over 10,000 people all around the world. Her articles have appeared on The Elijah List, Charisma, Spirit Fuel and iBelieve.com. Kim's message is one of hope. She speaks to the heart of those who have grown discouraged and disappointed by the circumstances of life and imparts the desire and ability to stand against all odds; to stand for victory. She encourages people to press into God and discover that He is who He says He is.
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