What If Speaking Up Is Only Half the Calling?

Jesus was never afraid to expose hypocrisy. He called certain religious leaders a “brood of vipers,” warned about “wolves in sheep’s clothing,” and compared outwardly righteous people with corrupt hearts to “whitewashed tombs.”

Yet Jesus did more than confront what was wrong. His life authentically reflected the message He proclaimed. His words carried authority because He consistently lived what He taught.

What about us? When we recognize injustice in our communities, do we speak up—or remain silent bystanders? And when we do speak, are we willing to let God examine our own hearts as carefully as we examine the actions of others?

As you read today’s post, you may think of people who frequently highlight injustice while living lives marked by immorality, corruption, or greed. It is often easier to recognize faults in others than to notice our own blind spots.

Speaking up is important, but it is only half the calling. God also invites the person carrying the message to remain humble, teachable, and open to transformation.

This week, I encourage you to read the book of Habakkuk. It contains only three chapters, yet it offers powerful insight into how intercessors can pray when confronted by injustice.

Habakkuk begins by bringing his complaints honestly before God. He sees violence, wrongdoing, conflict, and the failure of justice. Instead of ignoring what is happening, he cries out and waits expectantly for God’s response: “I will stand at my watch and station myself on the ramparts; I will look to see what he will say to me, and what answer I am to give to this complaint.” - Habakkuk 2:1.

Habakkuk takes the position of a watchman. He observes, prays, listens, and waits. He does not merely announce his own conclusions; he expects God to answer and instruct him.

By the final chapter, his prayer has become a song. The circumstances have not improved, and judgment is still approaching. Habakkuk does not fully understand or control God’s plans, but something within him has changed.

His journey ends with an unexpected declaration of joy, strength, and trust: “Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights.” - Habakkuk 3:17-19

Habakkuk’s intercession does not change the message God gives him, but it transforms the messenger. As he remains watchful in prayer, God gives him joy in place of despair, hope amid uncertainty, and strength for what lies ahead.

Becoming a Faithful Watchman

As you read Habakkuk this week, bring your complaints honestly before God. Then follow the prophet’s example: take your place on the watchtower and watch how God will respond to your pleas.

Poem: "A whistleblower’s call"

Overwhelmed by distress and fear, 

I decided to dive deep once again.

I can see warnings of devastation, dread and pain.

I hear the sound of a massive fire consuming the air.

There are rumors of conflict, hunger, and suffering.

Destruction is approaching; it is on its way!

I blow my whistle for the first time. 

I am issuing a warning about times to come. 

Impending ruin conceals its motives,

Out there - in plain sight. 

Can you see it? 

Can you heart it?

In response, people look through their windows on a sunny day.

All they can see is another usual day. 

The weather is lovely, and the streets are full. 

a mother is walking with a baby who is playing with a doll. 

I’m issuing a warning about the impending snow;

But who would believe me while enjoying the fall?

I blow my whistle a second time,

Hoping someone will respond. 

Repairers of streets and bridges, please respond!

We need someone to keep watch from the wall!

Who will keep watch from a tower,

Observe signs of changes and intercede?

Who will speak up for peace?

Who will advocate for justice and make an appeal?

I'm blowing my whistle for the third time. 

I know… I’m looking silly, and it’s not my first time.

The sound of my whistle has vanished with the wind. Swish… swoosh… whiff…

© 2023 All Rights Reserved