Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins. (Isa 58:1 KJV) Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. (Gal 6:7 KJV)

The prophet is tasked to point his finger at his people’s transgressions. He’s to lay his finger on their sins. There’s no room for whitewashing their darkness. No reason to sweep anything under the carpet. Rather evil is to be called evil, just as war is not be camouflaged as peace, neither injustice as justice nor unrighteousness as righteousness. No, as messenger of the living God, he’s to speak out for the truth and let it be heard – loud and clear like a trumpet calling.

The triune God is not deceived – even if we very much tend to deceive ourselves and like to deceive others also. The truth will be out. There is no doubt about that, because God himself will bring forth into light, what was hidden. The sparrows will chirp it from the rooftops and the stones will proclaim, what is right. Just wait and see! There is a righteous judgement coming. God himself will judge the world – the living and the dead. Nobody will get away from this. There is nowhere to run and nowhere to hide.

Still people try to get away with murder. It’s common practice to hide one’s own faults and highlight perceived positives. Whistle-blowers are shunned and even pushed aside – if not removed. Solidarity is demanded and excuses are sought – as if that would do.

We Christians are encouraged to admit our faults and wrongdoing: “I – a poor, miserable sinner!” Lord have mercy! It’s not on account of our own righteousness, but because of your great mercy that we come before you living God and judge of all and plead to you for the grace of forgiveness. He encourages us: “Ask and it will be given to you!” and also “If you, who are evil can give your children good things, how much more will the Father in heaven give his Holy Spirit to those, who ask him!” Trusting in him and hoping alone in his goodness and mercy, we are sure that we will reap the promised fruit of what Christ has sown for us and has come to fruition already on the holy festival of Easter: Forgiveness of sins, everlasting life and blessed salvation + Amen.

Oh, for a thousand tongues to sing My great Redeemer’s praise, The glories of my god and King, The triumphs of his grace!

 My gracious Master and my God, Assist me to proclaim, To spread through all the earth abroad The honors of your name.

 The name of Jesus charms our fears And bids our sorrows cease, Sings music in the sinner’s ears, Brings life and health and peace.

 He breaks the power of canceled sin; He sets the prisoner free. His blood can make the foulest clean; His blood avails for me.

 Look to the Lord, who did atone For sin, O fallen race. Look and be saved through faith alone, Be justified by grace.

See all our sins on Jesus laid; The Lamb has made us whole. His soul was once an offering made For every human soul.

 To God all glory, praise, and love Be now and ever given By saints below and saints above The Church in earth and heaven.

 Hymn # 276 from Lutheran Worship Author: Charles Wesley