Say It Anyway

In Isaiah 6:8, God famously asked, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Isaiah responded, “Here am I! Send me.” But God then said, “Go, and tell this people: ‘Keep on hearing, but do not understand; keep on seeing, but do not perceive.’ Make the heart of this people dull, and their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and return and be healed” (Isa 6:9-10). The people weren’t going to listen, but God sent Isaiah anyway.

Jesus quoted Isaiah 6:9-10 to explain why He taught in parables which confused people (Matt 13:14-15; see also Mk 4:12; Lk 8:10). Many wouldn’t understand or listen, but Jesus taught anyway. In John 12:40, those who did not believe although Jesus “did many signs before them” is seen as fulfillment of what was said in Isaiah 6:9-10. Jesus did miracles anyway. Paul said that the “Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet” concerning those who disbelieved when he presented evidence from the Law and Prophets concerning the kingdom of God and Jesus. He then quoted Isaiah 6:9-10. But Paul “explained and solemnly testified” anyway (Acts 28:23-27).

The, “They won’t listen but say it anyway” approach was given to most of the prophets in the Bible. Ezekiel was told, “…the house of Israel will not listen to you, because they will not listen to Me…” (Ezek 3;7). But God sent him anyway. Jeremiah was told multiple times that the people wouldn’t listen: “So you shall speak all these words to them, but they will not obey you. You shall also call to them, but they will not answer you” (Jer 7:27). Say it anyway!

We usually talk about the hardhearted audience when we come upon Scriptures decrying failures to listen to God, but I want to also note that God sent His word to them anyway. Rejection of God’s word says as much about God’s patient attempts to reach out to sinful man as it does about the audience who rejects it. And God’s persistence challenges us to say it anyway – when it is popular and when it’s not (2 Tim 4:2; 1 Pet 3:15).

So, they are atheists. Say it anyway. They are strangers. Say it anyway. They are family. Say it anyway. They already know what you believe. Say it anyway. They think they know the Bible. Say it anyway. They are active in their religion or church. Say it anyway. They probably won’t understand. Say it anyway. They will laugh at you. Say it anyway. They won’t invite you next time. Say it anyway. It’s not socially acceptable. Say it anyway. It will be awkward. Say it anyway. They are introverts. Say it anyway. They are extroverts. Interrupt them and say it anyway. They are young or old. Say it anyway. They are unfaithful Christians. Say it anyway. They may get angry. Say it anyway. They will get angry. Say it anyway. You are told not to. Say it anyway. You may get in trouble. Say it anyway. You may get arrested. Say it anyway., They may threaten you. Say it anyway. They may kill you. Say it anyway.

dd

Here is a sneak peek at the lesson for Sunday, December 21, 2025
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omKghTgw0PI