Words Unspeakable

Larry Doyle Crenshaw

Have you ever considered the thousands of electrical and biochemical transactions needed to produce a single spoken word? It is difficult, if not impossible, to measure the energy required.  Also, physiologists tell us that as many as seventy muscles are involved in the production of a word.  Our brain and our muscles work, more or less, in tandem in a miraculous partnership to give us speech.  Once uttered, words can have a tremendous impact.   Words have the power to heal or to hurt, to start a war or to end a war, and to begin or end a relationship. They also have the capacity to inspire or depress, and to create beauty or ugliness. Such is the power of the spoken or written word.

However, there are certain words from certain sacred sources that come in the form of instruction, inspiration, and revelation that are attended by firm restrictions for the hearer.  Indeed, some communication from divine sources can be so sacred the hearer is asked not to speak them or write them.  The record of God’s communications with mankind shows many such instances of restricted communication.

These restricted communications appear to fall into certain categories.  The Holy Scriptures provide a few examples of these sacred experiences which, in some cases, we are asked to keep to ourselves. The reason for maintaining the confidence may be apparent, or entirely obscure.  It may be a test of our trustworthiness or our preparedness for other sanctifying communications or experiences.  Of the many we could identify, here are just a few.  Divine confidential communications may be given:

(1) for our personal edification and enlightenment, (see Luke 9:18-21)

(2) as a revelation which guides and points the way,(see Daniel 12:9)

(3) to forewarn us of pending danger, (see Matthew 2:12)

(4) that pertain to a vision, a miracle, or special event meant only for us or those present (see Luke 5:14, or Luke 8:49-56), or

(5) to provide sacred information about covenants and ordinances about our salvation . (see 2 Corinthians 12:2-4; or perhaps Luke 9:9)

While these are not everyday happenings, some similar communications can occur in our own life-moments that will inspire us, lift our soul to another plane, and leave us with . . .  Words Unspeakable.

Words Unspeakable

2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.  3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)  4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.

2 Corinthians 12:2-4

There are words unlawful to write or be spoken

Unless the Spirit gives voice, or guides the hand

These are holy words written or spoken as a token

Of God’s power when He reveals them to man

For the Spirit will oft whisper sacred things

That cannot be repeated when felt and heard

Words full of light borne on sanctified wings

Infusing the soul with the power of God’s word

Has the Spirit ever whispered truth and light

Such that you felt overjoyed and yet restrained

By the Holy Spirit and His power and might

That your voice was muted and constrained

For there are words unlawful to speak or write

Heavenly homilies only for your heart and ear

That enlighten the mind and sharpen the sight

And testify to the soul that God is very near

May you esteem the inspiration God has revealed

Sacred soliloquies spoken to your mind and heart

And keep them personal, sanctified, and concealed

Earning His trust for other things He will impart

Larry Doyle Crenshaw