God called the prophets and believers today to proclaim God no matter the response. I remember preaching a funeral message many years ago where a relative of the deceased was an atheist. After the service, he confronted me because I had proclaimed the good news of Jesus. The comforting words of Jesus touched many who attended because they were true believers. Although this man did not want to hear the message of Jesus, the words of God are powerful even when planted in hardened soil. We can’t change a person’s heart, but we can plant God’s word in the hope that it grows.
Isaiah Proclaimed God’s Word
As Isaiah took up the call of God to proclaim the word, the Lord gave him insight into the people’s hearts. Isaiah 6:9 And he said, “Yes, go, and say to this people, ‘Listen carefully, but do not understand. Watch closely, but learn nothing.’ 10 Harden the hearts of these people. Plug their ears and shut their eyes. That way, they will not see with their eyes, nor hear with their ears, nor understand with their hearts and turn to me for healing.” [1]
This would be difficult as the people would not respond to Isaiah’s preaching. Isaiah asked God how long he would have to do this. Isaiah 6:11And the Lord replied, “Until their towns are empty, their houses are deserted, and the whole country is a wasteland; 12 until the Lord has sent everyone away, and the entire land of Israel lies deserted.[2]
God told Isaiah to be faithful in proclaiming the word to the people. We can’t make other people believe or soften their hearts, but we can bring God’s word to them in a loving way. Paul gives us insight into the planting of God’s word. 1 Corinthians 1:6 I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow.[3] As humans, we can plant and water, but only God can make the word grow in someone’s heart.
Being Faithful
There is something about faithful servants of God who minister to people no matter how receptive the people are. Jeremiah had very few converts, yet he was a great prophet of God. The Lord calls us to do only what we can, which is to be faithful. Every pastor wants to see the church packed and people eagerly growing in faith, but that is not the reality.
The Lord reminds us to be faithful when we are tempted to be discouraged. 2 Chronicles 16:9 The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him. [4]
Proclaim God no matter the response. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/journey-prophets
[1-4] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.