Tell it like it is

July 31, 2007

By Greg Ebie

If you tune into one of the more popular late-night variety shows, you know what to expect; the host’s goal is to make you laugh. Whether they are poking fun at politicians or other public figures in the news or interviewing a guest, they keep the mood light and the tempo up.

On the other hand, if you watch any of the evening news programs you are not likely to hear much to make you laugh. A reputable journalist is committed to telling it to you like it is, no matter how unpleasant the reality.

Israel and Judah would have preferred the late-night variety show option. Instead of TV, they had groups of prophets who offered them just what they wanted to hear. Like a roadside show some prophets were simply in it for the “profit” and not to proclaim God’s Word.

“This is what the Lord says: ‘As for the prophets who lead my people astray, if one feeds them, they proclaim ‘peace’; if he does not, they prepare to wage war against him. Therefore night will come over you, without visions, and darkness, without divination. The sun will set for the prophets, and the day will go dark for them. The seers will be ashamed and the diviners disgraced. They will all cover their faces because there is no answer from God.’

“But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might, to declare to Jacob his transgression, to Israel his sin” (Micah 3:5-8, NIV).

The prophet Micah remained faithful to his calling to proclaim God’s Word. He would not give in to the temptation to say things that tickled people’s ears. Micah wasn’t in it for the laughs but for the legitimacy of God’s Word and the impact it could have on people’s lives. Micah could proclaim God’s Word effectively because he didn’t rely upon his own strength or imagination. Micah announced the truth in the power of the Lord.

What about us? Will our ears be attentive to hear God’s Word proclaimed in the power of the Spirit even if it makes us uncomfortable? Or will we tune out anything that doesn’t make us feel good? Furthermore, are we willing to be empowered by the Spirit to not only speak His Word but also to follow it regardless of what that obedience may cost us?

D. Greg Ebie is senior pastor of Praise Assembly of God in Garrettsville, Ohio, and an author of Daily Bread devotionals.