A friend who is a world-class teacher and trainer says we have to face the brutiful facts. Some realities can only be described as brutal. However, when we clearly see how things are, we can begin working for how those things should be. This leads us away from the painful present into a preferred future. 

Our world faces a number of brutal facts. Politicians look at these facts and ask us if we are going to trust them or our lying eyes. Pundits look to blame someone. Preachers too can get caught up in politicking and punditry and push agendas that do not originate with the heart of God. 

The Kingdom of Judah and its capital Jerusalem lay in ruins. It did not have to be that way. God wooed his people. God was gracious and generous with them. God extended forgiveness and mercy. God sent his messengers with words of warning and hope. 

The people chose trendy gods who affirmed their sins. The people determined God’s way was too hard. The people turned away from grace and goodness. The people stopped up their ears and would not listen. Therefore, they suffered the consequences. Brutal facts did not lead to beautiful alternatives because they chose the path that led to more brutality. How sad. How devastating. 

Isaiah and Jeremiah wounded the people with truthful words about a coming disaster. Those were trustworthy words. Those were kind words. Those words were ignored. 

Shrink matters down to our individual scales for a moment. How well do we consider the brutal facts? How often do we seek God’s positive alternative? How are we working with others to create beautiful futures aligned with God’s heart? 

Our day and time require men and women who will stand up and tell it like it is while also telling it like it can be. Hard realities are unpleasant. Destruction is more unpleasant by far. Let us become trustworthy friends who are unafraid of wounding with our words in preparation for a preferred future.