Speaking Out or Staying Silent: How Jesus Inspires Us to Challenge Hypocrisy

Jesus served as a whistleblower, exposing the hidden motives of religious hypocrites and calling them a "brood of vipers," "wolves in sheep's clothing," and "whitewashed tombs." His life authentically mirrored the message he preached, as he consistently lived out his faith. Do you speak out in your community, or do you choose to remain a bystander? 

As you read today’s blog post, you might think of one or two people who frequently highlight societal injustices but live lives characterized by immorality, corruption or greed. It's common for people to spot flaws in others while overlooking their own. Today's message encourages readers to seek God's grace to recognize their own blind spots and be receptive to change of one's character, embracing the role of a spiritual whistleblower in the process.

This week, I encourage you to read the Book of Habakkuk, which consists of only three chapters. This concise book offers guidance to readers and intercessors on how to pray and confront injustices. The first chapter reflects the prophet's strong views on various injustices, concluding with his statement to God: “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. The writer anticipates a response from God regarding the complaints raised in prayer. In his vigilant prayer, expecting to hear from God, he receives instruction on how to address the nation as a whistleblower. 

In the final chapter, the concluding prayer is presented as a song designed to impart a triumphant tone to the prayer. This victorious prayer concludes unexpectedly, brimming with joy, strength, and encouragement amidst the impending judgment facing his community and nation. The triumphant song ends with: “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

In a sense, the journey that Habakkuk is experiencing does not alter God's plans about upcoming judgement of various injustices, although the prophet does not agree with God's plans. However, through vigilant prayer and intercession, the writer himself is transformed and finds unexpected blessings despite gloomy predictions. He is imparted with gifts of joy, hope, and strength.

As you read the book of Habakkuk this week, I encourage you to bring your complaints to God and follow Habakkuk’s example. Ask God to reveal how He responds to your requests. Also, seek guidance from the Holy Spirit on what steps to take next. You might be inspired to creatively express the message placed in your heart, or you may feel led to address injustices in your community and begin an initiative to combat them. Whatever you choose, ensure your actions are driven by the right heart motivation and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. 

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…

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