Ezekiel, a prophet of God with an unwelcome message, was told twice by the Lord not to “be dismayed at their looks” (2:6, 3:9). Have you ever heard the saying, “If looks could kill?” That saying could very well have come into existence during Ezekiel’s ministry! Ezekiel, however, was doing the Lord’s bidding and speaking the Lord’s words, therefore, the Lord continued to encourage him not to be afraid of words or looks. Ezekiel was not to retreat from his calling. He was not to cower under the opposition of those who refused his message. He was not to succumb to their threatening, disapproving looks.
If you are a preacher who stands for Truth and boldly, yet lovingly, proclaims the Truth, you have seen some looks in your day! Have you ever thought after delivering a difficult and hard, but true message, “Boy, if looks could kill, I’d be a dead man today!” The fact is that something is wrong with your content if you do NOT receive the occasional raised eyebrow, red face, or roll of the eyes! Why? Because truth is not easy to swallow or believe. Truth is often against the grain of good ol’ boy logic. Truth often confronts.
As preachers, though, we must guard against assumptions. Don’t assume you rightly interpret all facial expressions. You must get to know something about the individual first. Then, usually, their looks betray them, whether for good or bad. Here are a few looks you may encounter while proclaiming God’s Word.
First, there is the look of utter disapproval, frustration, and even anger. It’s hard to miss this one or even falsely diagnose it. If someone is upset enough with your message, it is usually written all over his face. You won’t be the only one who notices it either! The squirming in the seat, the frequent cough or grunt, the huff, the occasional glance to the watch or popping of the keys gives this one away to everybody. By the look on their faces, you can tell these people are thinking loudly, “I disagree with you. I will not change my mind. Nothing you can say will ever change my mind!” If this continues, be prepared and in prayer. This won’t stop with looks. There will eventually be a confrontation where you will be challenged in your beliefs. Stay steady and true to the Word. Don’t be afraid or dismayed by the look of prideful anger.
Second, there is the look of sheer boredom. This is not a look of disagreement. This is a look of bluntly communicating, “I don’t care!” Now, occasionally a believer’s face depicts this look. Maybe he falsely thinks he knows all there is to know on the present subject. Maybe he is overcome with slumber. Mostly though, this look is present on an unbeliever’s face. Why should he care? He doesn’t believe to begin with. Don’t be dismayed and take it personal, or think that you can’t get through to him, or have a self-pity party because you must not be a good preacher. Preach the truth of God passionately in word and life, and leave the results to God! You can’t change anybody anyway!
Third, there is the look of interest. God is using something in the sermon to grab this listener and wake him and shake him and lift him. Believer or unbeliever alike, you can tell when something has just hit home or a light has just clicked on. It is a beautiful sight to behold! Rejoice - not in your ability or talent, but in the work of the Word!
Fourth, there is the look of hunger. Believers who are hungry for God can’t hide it and do not wish to hide it. It is written all over their faces. Even when the sermon is painful, even when they feel they are being force-fed, even when it is new or different from anything they have ever heard, if it comes from the biblical text, they chew it, yea, they devour it! Many church members wonder how they can encourage their pastor. They don’t even realize that the look of hunger of their faces gives him a tremendous boost and lifts up his spirits and encourages him to remain steadfast to the Word.
A few things to remember next time you are preaching and you are getting all these looks. Remember, it’s not you, it’s not about you, it’s not up to you, it’s not from you. It’s all about the message you proclaim. Rejection and reception will be pointed to you, but it is ultimately rejection or reception of the Word, not you. That being the case, reception should cause us to rejoice; rejection should cause us to weep. Don’t get mad and upset with those who get mad and upset with you! They are really upset with God and His Word. Weep and pray. Repentance is desperately needed, and they probably do not see the error of their attitude. If God doesn’t move in grace, they will only become hardened in heart and stronger in pride. Pray for them. You cannot convince them, but God can change them!
Also, remember it is only the Word that is alive and active and sharper than any two-edged sword. Of course, it’s going to get lively reactions! It’s sharp! But it not only cuts, it heals! Keep staying true and faithful to proclaiming the Word as best as you can understand it. Communicate firm, loving messages. Don’t veer away an inch from clearly affirming biblical truth.
Finally, remember the Word is their only hope of salvation, change, sanctification, growth, maturity, help, strength. It alone will breath life into dry bones. Preach it! Don’t be dismayed at their looks!
