“Hear ye the word which the Lord speaketh unto you…” (Jeremiah 10:13a KJV)
A monologue is a speech presented by a single person in many types of forums. Regardless of the forum, the attention span during the monologue depends to a degree on the effectiveness of the speaker in expressing their thoughts and enticing ears to hear. In academia, a monologue is better known as a lecture. I’ve been there and sometimes, not intentionally, but for whatever reason, the students did not engage in any dialogue opportunities that might extend the class. No some were hoping to be dismissed early so they might devote their time to the social aspect of campus life or to slipping into a well needed sleep. In the world of comedy, one entertainer, labeled as a comedian, sometimes appropriately by others and sometimes it is the “comedian’s” self-dubbed and inappropriate label. Well, I’ve been there too; performed a stand up routine in front of 300 people for a company that I had recently left for a new job. I’d say two-thirds in the audience listened and laughed at the monologue, either because of humor or because of their heavy drinking during the cocktail hour, making everything seem to be funny. The other third of the audience, a captured audience because attendees had to wait until the end of the event for door prizes to be awarded, was too busy socializing to listen to my monologue. As parents we occasionally give disciplinary monologues. And, as it was when we were children, the child’s eyes pay attention, but as far as their ears, it’s “in one ear and out the other”… at times. There is one example of a monologue where the definition of the term does not really fit and that is preaching the word. You are probably saying, “Why not? Only one person is doing the talking and sometimes beyond the promise, ’I won’t be long!’” Well let me answer your question and in doing so explain why. Subsequently, perhaps, your attention to the preached word tomorrow will be more focused on the spiritual bread you will be feed.
The preacher is only a messenger used by God. Many of you have heard me say this before, but I never get tired of saying it. God sends a specific message by a specific messenger at a specific time for a specific purpose. And when the messenger stands, He is dependent on the Holy Spirit to deliver that specific message. Sometimes the things that the preacher plans to say are cancelled. At times, when the preacher has not elaborated enough, the Holy Spirit provides an extended elaboration or explanation of the word that is being enthusiastically preached. Thus we must concur that the minister is not doing a monologue. Even in preparing to preach, he does not write the sermon based on his thoughts alone. He is dependent on what thus saith the Lord in His word and His willed inspiration. So you see, the preached word, the sermon you will hear tomorrow is not a monologue. There is another person participating. The Lord’s message will be proclaimed and monitored by the Holy Spirit as it is delivered, in real time.
What’s the takeaway this Saturday morning? Pay attention Sunday! Come ready to have ears to hear, a heart to receive, and a willingness to respond by putting the word in action. Are you ready for tomorrow? Be blessed!
“Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (Luke 11:28b NIV)
Still committed to the climb, Mark L. King