They Jailed the Prophet

It isn't possible to learn from our sins without consequences. The consequences bring sorrow over sin and a change in attitude and then behavior. Our culture withholds consequences far too often, empowering the sinner to not only continue in sin but to grow worse. There is always room for mercy, however, in our day mercy is extended far too quickly and freely before the sinner has expressed remorse.

We are not to extend mercy to the unrepentant. Mercy is for those who have a genuine demonstration of sorrow over their sin. Mercy does not bring a hardened soul to repentance.

Isaiah 26:10 " 10 Though the wicked is shown favor, He does not learn righteousness; He deals unjustly in the land of uprightness, And does not perceive the majesty of the LORD."

Hebrews 12:7-9 "…7 Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8 If you do not experience discipline like everyone else, then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9 Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not much more submit to the Father of our spirits and live?…"

Hebrews 12:11-12 "11 No discipline seems enjoyable at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it yields a peaceful harvest of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. 12 Therefore strengthen your limp hands and weak knees.…"

It is common these days for the truth teller to be punished for exposing the sin, while the sinner is coddled and pampered for having been disciplined. Our churches are full of "snow flakes" who refuse to be corrected because of this mentality of coddling to spare the feelings of the one who causes trouble.

I have heard many stories of those who have attempted to correct the divisive person who works against the Word of God, being surrounded by loving arms of parishioners while the prophet who calls them out is punished, excluded and even driven out of the church for their honesty. The preservation of the organization takes priority over the truth, correction and a return to Biblical standards.

1 Corinthians 2:13 ". 13 And this is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom, but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. "

Zechariah 8:16
"'These are the things which you should do: speak the truth to one another; judge with truth and judgment for peace in your gates."

Ephesians 4:25
"Therefore, laying aside falsehood, SPEAK TRUTH EACH ONE of you WITH HIS NEIGHBOR, for we are members of one another."

2 Corinthians 2:17
"For we are not like many, peddling the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God."

Those who speak truth with boldness will often be assigned the role of the scapegoat to be shunned and ignored. Do not be surprised when this happens. Do what the Lord tells you to do and move on when others won't listen or dialogue.

Galatians 4:16
"So have I become your enemy by telling you the truth?"

Proverbs 23:9 "9 Do not speak in the hearing of a fool, For he will despise the wisdom of your words. "