“The Preacher sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly.” (Ecclesiastes 12:10)
Solomon wanted to say easy and enjoyable things, but not if those things weren’t true. Words that comfort through lies are a curse, not a blessing. Platitudes mask pain;2 they don’t heal it.
Good preaching must say what is true – we cannot avoid the hard truths of life. Hell is real, sin brings death, and there is no life outside of Christ. However, words of truth spoken correctly lead to delightful words because the dark problems of this life lead to the light that is Christ.
Jesus is the answer to the painful truths we must all face. The truth of death. The truth of our own impurities and shame. Jesus is the answer to our disgrace and sorrow.
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’ ” (John 14:6)
Matt 4:4 #Biblebites