A Trumpet Call for Lent.

A Trumpet Call for Lent.

March 2026

Pastor Sue Baines.

“Shout it aloud, do not hold back.

Raise your voice like a trumpet.

Declare to my people their rebellion

and to the descendants of Jacob their sins.”

— Isaiah 58:1

As we enter the season of Lent, Isaiah 58 confronts us with a searching and uncomfortable word. It is one of the most significant and frequently read Old Testament texts during this season, particularly within Western Christian traditions. Its enduring power lies in the way it shapes our understanding of fasting, repentance, and spiritual discipline in the forty days leading to Easter.

Can there be a more timely admonition to today’s Church?

In an age marked by all-too-familiar headlines of failed ministries, fallen leaders, and distorted messages, many Christians limp along without clarity, purpose, or spiritual authority. The Church risks becoming irrelevant, passive, or overly cautious—so concerned with politeness or cultural acceptance that truth is barely whispered, let alone trumpeted.

This Lenten season, I suggest that Isaiah’s trumpet call is sounding again—calling us to confront legalism and empty spirituality that too easily infiltrate our worship. It rings in the ears of a religious people confident in spiritual practices and devotions, yet often resistant to humble obedience to the voice of God. It demands the attention—and the action—of a dull and dormant Church.

“Raise Your Voice Like a Trumpet”

The passage begins with an unmistakable imperative:

“Raise your voice like a trumpet!”

The command unfolds through three escalating verbs:

1. Shout it aloud

Speak openly—not privately or quietly. Be clear and unmistakable.

2. Do not hold back

Do not soften, dilute, or avoid the message. Be bold and courageous.

3. Raise your voice like a trumpet

Speak with authority and urgency. Make a sound that cannot be ignored.

This is not a call to angry shouting. Rather, it is a call to remove restraint when truth must be spoken. In a world saturated with lies, counterfeits, and false gods, truth often requires greater force simply to be heard above the noise.

When Scripture speaks of a trumpet, it signifies urgency and authority—not volume for its own sake. The Apostle Paul warns believers against becoming “a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal,” reminding us that love must govern all proclamation. The trumpet of Isaiah 58 is not harsh noise, but a clear, purposeful alarm.

The prophetic tradition echoes this imagery:

“Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm.” (Joel 2:1)

“If the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet…” (Ezekiel 33:6)

Silence in such moments is not neutrality—it is failure.

I submit to you that when applied to our time, “lifting up your voice like a trumpet” means recognising that faithfulness sometimes requires speaking publicly, not only privately. I applaud those in the media, in the pulpits and marketplace who name injustice plainly, refusing to hide behind politeness. It takes courage and strength to swim against the stream.

The challenge before us is to lift up our voice like a trumpet, to speak with urgency and authority grounded in God’s truth. Our speech is not to dominate, but to awaken.

Isaiah 58 calls for a voice that cuts through religious noise and summons God’s people back to justice, compassion, and covenant faithfulness. It means courageous clarity, humble obedience, and a willingness to be heard when silence would be easier.

As we walk through Lent, may we listen carefully for the sound of God’s trumpet—and may we have the courage, when called, to lift our own voices accordingly.

I really want to encourage you to be diligent with your Bible study time, because God has so much more for us than we can get from just going to church once or twice a week and hearing someone else talk about the Word.

When you spend time with God, your life will change in amazing ways, because God is a Redeemer.

Theres nothing thats too hard for Him, and He can make you whole, spirit, soul and body!

You’re important to God, and you’re important to us at The Refinery.

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So whatever you’re concerned about and need prayer for we want to be here for you! Or even if you just want to say Hi, you can contact us at www.refinerylife.org

2026 WILL BE A TIME OF WARFARE.

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