When it comes to sermons, how long is too long? Some would say that depends on the skill of the preacher, or the appetite of the congregation. Others would say it depends on the strength of the content. Still others would say that no sermon in our day should last over ______ minutes. You fill in the blank. Personally, I just listened to an incredible 58-minute sermon from a prominent pastor.
But recently I read through what has been called the Minor Prophets and rediscovered there is nothing minor about these sermons from men of God who courageously preached the Word of God. Historically, they are called “minor” because of their length. Compared to Isaiah or Jeremiah, they are relatively short.
They may be short, but these transcribed sermons are not cute sound bites. Instead they are pointed and powerful words that are just as relevant today as they were the day they were first delivered. Here are four big lessons from my recent journey:
God is clear.
We can hear Micah’s volume rise, “Hear, O peoples, all of you; listen, O earth and all it contains…”—Micah 1:2a. The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is not hiding from us and does not speak in code. He has given us His Word and it is sufficient. He is so clear that He said, “…And what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God”—Micah 6:8. God knows we need clarity. So He gives it exactly where we need it.
God is unique.
“But the Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth be silent before Him”—Habakkuk 2:20. The holiness of God inspires awe among the peoples. There is no one like Him. He is not an idol to be handled by men. Instead, He evokes speechlessness among those who revere Him. This is one attribute of God marginalized by many modern evangelicals, but one that God will not allow us to forget for very long.
God is gracious.
When I think of the Old Testament prophets, I don’t naturally think of grace. But that’s my fault. These men cried out to an obstinate people to repent and partake in the grace of God. God’s heart for Nineveh is clear in the book of Jonah. He pleaded with His own people, “Return to Me, declares the Lord of hosts, that I may return to you, says the Lord of hosts”—Zechariah 1:3. God is a God of second-chances, and He waits for us and then provides for our repentance.
God is just.
I’ve heard Tom Nelson, pastor of Denton Bible Church, say, “God is good, but He is not senile.” In other words, God does not let evil go unchecked. “And I will punish men who are stagnant in spirit, who say in their hearts, ‘The Lord will not do good or evil!’”—Zephaniah 1:12b. If you’ve ever wondered if unjust men ever get their due, take heart. God is not finished. “Behold, I am against you, declares the Lord of hosts; and I will lift up your skirts over your face, and show to the nations your nakedness and to the kingdoms your disgrace”—Nahum 2:5. Wow! High-fives everywhere. God crushes evil.
If you need a short sermon, the Minor Prophets may be just for you. But beware. Our sovereign God speaks in all His glory with might and mercy for a people who would not only hear Him and appreciate Him, but who would surrender to Him.
