Pragmatism

We live in a culture of pragmatism. If it works it is good. If it doesn’t get results it is to be discarded. Along with pragmatism is activism. The busier we are the better we are.

I guess the prophets and the God who sent them didn’t understand the value of pragmatism. After Isaiah experienced God in a very powerful and life changing way by immensely encountering God in His holiness this is what God told Isaiah. “God and say to the people: Keep on hearing, but no not understand, keep on seeing, but do not perceive. Make the heart of this people dull and their ears heavy and blind their eyes, lest they hear with their ears, and understand in their hearts, and turn and be healed.” Then I said, “How long, O Lord?” And He said: “Until the cities lie waste without inhabitant, and the houses without people, and the land a desolate waste, and the Lord removes people far away, and the forsaken places are many in the midst of the land. And though a tenth remain in it, it will be burned again, like a terebinth or an oak, who stump remains when it is felled.” The holy seed is it stump.” (Jesus is the holy seed)

The message by God is, do not be overly focused on the results, I will take care of that. There will be a remnant, you just be faithful to keep on sharing the message and calling people to God.

Many of the other prophets had a similar message. Look what God said to Jeremiah: “But you, dress yourself for work; arise, and say to them everything that I command you. Do not be dismayed by them, lest I dismay you before them. And I, behold, I make you this day a fortified city, and iron pillar, and bronze walls, against the whole land, against the kings of Judah, its officials, its priests, and the people of the land. They will fight against you, but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, declares the Lord, to deliver you” (Jeremiah 1:17-19)

Just one more example. Consider what God said to Ezekiel. “Like emery harder than flint have I made your forehead. Fear them not nor be dismayed at their looks for they are a rebellious house” (Ezekiel 3:9) Mankind also crucified the incarnate Lord Jesus.

Do not be overly concerned about results although we must be wise and compassionate in sharing the message of the gospel. It is not about what works it is about God and His message. If the prophets could lovingly bear the disregard by the people, so can those who are devoted and serve Jesus today.

It is not a popularity contest. It is not about compromising the message to get better results. We must be true to God and the message. This is our calling. As the Apostle Paul stated when he was imprisoned for preaching the gospel says: “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called” (Ephesians 4:1).

Does the gospel work to make you popular, affirm you and excite with immediate results. The false prophets take care of this angle. Our affirmation primarily and fully comes from the Lord, where it is only truly found and sets us free to serve, honor and love to God and others.

There will be millions of people of heaven. Sadly, some will not accept the message or the gift of salvation in Jesus and will end up in hell.

Go and preach, proclaim, declare and live the gospel. Pray, work, study, declare and live.