Oratory.

There is nothing like a great speech.  President Lincoln spoke at Gettysburg after a battle that claimed 50,000 lives (MLB stadiums seat 40,000) and in 275 words he assured the nation it would survive the war.  Martin Luther King took the pulpit at the most inspiring location in America, convincing 200,000 that his dream was the American Dream, that the founders, hymn writers, and preachers of this nation had always intended it be a nation of liberty and justice for all, where all men are created equal, where we will be “Free at last. Free at last. Thank God Almighty, we are free at last.”

The Bible includes a speech from God.  Imagine half a million people on the Mall in Washington.  Bands, bunting, parades.  Someone quiets the noise, and God—yes, GOD HIMSELF—steps up to the podium.  He does not need a microphone.  He rebukes America for turning to idols.  He asks why the idols have not rescued us.  Why aren’t the idols solving your problems?  He looks at the crowd.  He looks me in the eye.  He looks you in the eye. He speaks slowly, letting the words sink in:

“See, now that I alone am He. There is no God but Me.  I bring death. I give life. I wound. I heal. No one can rescue anyone from My hand…. As surely as I live forever, when I sharpen My flashing sword and My hand takes hold of judgment, I will take vengeance on My enemies and repay those who hate Me. I will make My arrows drunk with blood while My sword devours flesh—the blood of the slain and the captives, the heads of the enemy leaders” Deuteronomy 32:39-42.

The Washington Post headline may read, “God’s Speech Bit of a Downer,” but headlines were never the point.  God wants your heart.  Forsake idols and turn to Him. Worship Him only.  There is nothing else that can rescue—not money, doctors, success, fame, power, influence, or achievements.  Face the truth:

“There is no God but Me” Deuteronomy 32:39.

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