By: M. DeHaan
“… speak unto us smooth things.” – Isa. 30:10
Isaiah was a preacher of judgment. He declared without compromise the
holiness of God, the filthiness of Israel’s sin, and as a result he was hated,
persecuted and, according to tradition, martyred by being sawn asunder between
two boards (Heb. 11:37). The people resented hearing about the judgments of God
but wanted the preacher to talk about “love” instead, and so they said to
Isaiah, “Speak unto us smooth things.” The word for “smooth” means
“flattering.” They wanted to be flattered and pleased, and when Isaiah refused,
he was put to death.
In the last days in which we live, this scene is being repeated
according to the words of Paul. “For the time will come when they will not
endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves
teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the
truth, and shall be turned unto fables” (2 Tim. 4:3-4)... A faithful ministry
is not likely to be a popular one.
A certain man who had listened to a sermon, described it as very
“moving, soothing and satisfying.” It was moving inasmuch as half the congregation
left during the service. It was soothing because the rest fell fast asleep. And
it was satisfying for they cared for no more of that sort... We have not preached
the Word unless it has disturbed the sinner and awakened the saint.
May God deliver me from yielding to the temptation of pleasing the crowd
who say, “Speak unto us smooth things.” I would rather heed Paul’s admonition to
“preach the Word” (2 Tim. 4:2)!
“The
best way to eradicate evil is to publish and practice the Truth!”
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