Dear Reader,

I write this lament not in anger, but in sorrow and holy concern. In an age when many pulpits have exchanged the pure milk and meat of God’s Word for smooth, self-affirming speeches that tickle the ear, the Church grows lean and weak. May this poem stir the hearts of preachers and hearers alike to return to the old paths — where the Scriptures are opened, explained, and applied with reverence and power. Let us weep for what has been lost, and pray for a restoration of true biblical preaching.

From the Poet

2 Timothy 4:2-4
Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

2 Timothy 3:16-17
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Acts 20:27
For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

Jeremiah 6:14
They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of my people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace.

When shepherds feed the flock with sugared wind,
And turn the holy desk to stages bright,
Where polished phrases dance, and hearts are pinned
To self’s frail throne, not to the Lamb’s pure light—
Then sermons, once the thunder of God’s voice,
Become but TED-like sparks that briefly gleam,
With tales of triumph, tips for earthly choice,

And you are enough—a false, beguiling dream.

No more the sword of Spirit, whetted keen,
That pierces soul and marrow, sin to slay;
No exposition deep of what hath been
From Genesis to Patmos’ final day.
Instead, the itching ear receives its due:
Smooth words like balm, yet leaving wounds anew.

O Watchmen on the walls! Awake, arise!
Unfurl the Scroll, declare the whole counsel true.
Let not the age’s siren charm your eyes,
Nor crowd’s applause your sacred charge subdue.
For manna light from heaven’s table falls,
Not crumbs of wit or motivational thrall.

Christ’s bride deserves the feast, not empty show;
The cross, the blood, the narrow way made plain.
Repent, ye preachers! Let the Scriptures flow
As rivers living, breaking every chain.
Then shall the flock be fed, the weak made strong,
And glory rise where TED-like echoes die—
In pulpits purged, where God alone is sung,
Till heaven’s Well done resounds from on high.

A Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We thank Thee for Thy holy Word, which is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path. Forgive us, O Lord, for the many pulpits where Thy truth has been exchanged for the wisdom of men. Raise up faithful preachers who will declare all the counsel of God without fear or compromise. Restore to Thy Church the power and purity of expository preaching. Stir the hearts of Thy people to hunger once more for the sincere milk and strong meat of Scripture. May our pastors feed Thy flock with the Bread of Life, and may Christ be exalted in every sermon.

In the mighty name of Jesus Christ our Lord,

Amen.