Honey or sword ?

Friday 23 July 2021

Honey or sword ?

Isaiah 49.2 - He made my mouth like a sharp sword, he covered me with the shadow of his hand...

I would like to make the contrast between the words we are called to say in a personal interview and in the preaching. "Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and beneficial to the body," Proverbs tell us (Proverbs 16:24). "The Lord GOD hath given me a practiced tongue, that I might know how to speak up to him who is downcast," Isaiah tells us again (Isaiah 50.4). The Lord gives us the power, through the word, to bring the grace, the comfort, the necessary support for those who are “downcast”.

The preaching takes on a different force, it is called to do the work of a sharp sword. Hebrews tells us : “For the word of God is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating until it divides soul and spirit, joints and marrow ; it judges the feelings and thoughts of the heart" (Hebrews 4:12). The preaching is called to penetrate the listeners to make a separation between good and evil, between flesh and spirit, between light and darkness... We sometimes seek too much complacency in preaching, but Paul will say : "And now, is it the favor of men that I desire, or that of God ? Am I trying to please men ? If I were still pleasing to men, I would not be a servant of Christ” (Galatians 1:10).

My beloved preachers, if we are to be covered by the shadow of the hand of the Lord when we preach, that is, to have the anointing, we need to return to uncompromising preaching. nor compromise. Some would say that this kind of preaching is loveless, yet it will be the finest mark of love and compassion we can show. The Church of Jesus Christ needs to hear messages that penetrate her, that free her, that sanctify her, that make her more beautiful and ready to join her bridegroom.

Nevertheless, let us make a clear difference with pastoral care in the context of private talks. There, let us bring this honeycomb which will be a source of healing and salvation. To better understand what I mean, do not hesitate to do a study of the Lord Jesus' sermons and his private talks, you will see it is very beneficial.

Good reflection.

Source (Ezekiel 37 Ministries)