If it was asked of me right now in this very moment to preach a message, I would start by reading from the book of Habakkuk. “O Lord, how long shall I cry, and thou wilt not hear! even cry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save!” Hab 1:2
As we look at the world today, we see ungodliness and filth that even seems to rival the times of Noah. A time that ended with the destruction of the whole world by flood, save only Noah and his family. We sacrifice our children to the god of abortion. We embrace and celebrate every single form of sexual perversion and call it scientific and good. We oppress the poor and poison the minds of our youth. Our list of sins go on forever and no doubt, the stench has reached the nostrils of God Almighty.
Of course when I say “we,” I’m simply generalizing and referring to society. Not just here in America mind you, but all of humanity has gone astray.
Again from the great prophet Habakkuk, “Why dost thou shew me iniquity, and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention. Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment doth never go forth: for the wicked doth compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceedeth.” Hab 1:3-4
The prophet continues to cry out to the LORD wanting answers. Lamenting that judgement never goes forth and that His great law is powerless, in that no one cares, no one obeys. It’s slacked.
I wish we could only make these claims about the secular world, but unfortunately it’s just the same within the Church. I ask you, where are the preachers of righteousness who call out sin and plead with a dying world to repent and know Jesus Christ? Where is the desperation? Where is the power?
The corporate Church isn’t about preaching Christ crucified, denying one’s self and turning away from sin. No, the corporate Church is about filling seats and tickling the ears of the masses while desperately avoiding the seriousness of sin. I wonder how many souls sit in the seats, thinking themselves saved, yet bound for an eternity in Hell because they’ve never truly come to know Jesus? They’ve never turned away from sin with a broken heart.
Could it be because they never heard truth preached from the pulpit? Not man’s truth, not the world’s truths, but God’s! I’m reminded of what the great Charles Spurgeon said in regards to truth in ministry. “Some excellent brethren seem to think more of the life than of the truth; for when I warn them that the enemy has poisoned the children’s bread, they answer ‘Dear brother, we are sorry to hear it; and, to counteract the evil, we will open the window, and give the children fresh air.’ Yes, open the window, and give them fresh air, by all means. . . . But, at the same time, this ought you to have done, and not to have left the other undone. Arrest the poisoners, and open the windows, too. While men go on preaching false doctrine, you may talk as much as you will about deepening their spiritual life, but you will fail in it.”
Where are the preachers of truth? Where are the preachers of righteousness? Woe to them who preach weak, godless messages and lead the sheep to slaughter. The sheep are starving to death, rather than being fed, they are fed upon. “Behold, the days come,” saith the Lord God, “that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.” Amos 8:11
Even so, our merciful and loving God responds to Habakkuk with a promise. A promise I believe we can receive into our own hearts in this time we are presently living in.
“Behold ye among the heathen, and regard, and wonder marvelously: for I will work a work in your days which ye will not believe, though it be told you.” Hab 1:5
Our LORD is not blind. He sees the evil, He sees the corruption, He sees what “church” has become. Be assured, He is going to do a great work in our days and judgement will surely come. Not only a work, but a work so amazing and incomprehensible we would not believe it even if it were told to us!
We must remember, as the Apostle Peter so brilliantly exclaimed, “The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9
After the LORD responds to Habakkuk and explains to him that He is doing something about his prayers and about his complaint, Habakkuk can only praise and sing to the LORD. As should we!
“O Lord, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.” Hab 3:2
Let us trust in Him and pray to Him always that His will be done. When His promises come, when judgement inevitably comes; oh that He would remember his faithful and remember mercy. Praise the LORD on high and thanks be to God for His son Jesus and the salvation He has offered so freely to all who would look to Him, repent and believe on His name. Amen.
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