In Isaiah, chapter 5, starting with verse 20, we are taught something very important from God and His directive for us all. His counsel must be taken seriously, lest we fall victim to sin and the slavery of this world. This verse in itself could be used in its own sermon and taught therefore, for it is it so pertinent for us to understand in this wicked and vile generation that we are living in. Isaiah said, 1“woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” If you are a Christian, then this verse would have meaning to you. For you have come out of the darkness and into the light of Christ. However, if you are not a true Christian, then you are most likely doing exactly what Isaiah warned against. You are calling evil good and good evil. There is no light but darkness in your life, if this is the case. For example, so many people justify what is evil, just to fit in with the world. We have people going to movies that contain drinking, sex scenes or immodesty, killing or violence, horror, and bad language, and justify it by saying there was more good than bad. Many people promote abortion and think of it as nothing. Others drink and go to bars, have sexual relations outside of marriage, watch porn, or are into homosexuality and justify it all for their gain. There are so many people that are into games like Fortnite or other shoot-em-up games and justify all the killing. All of these things are evil but the world has made it seem good. If you are into such things, then repent and be made clean through the blood of Jesus.
We will now continue to read in verses 21 through 23. It reads, 1“woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight! Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink: Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!” Examining these verses, it now makes sense why people are calling evil good and good evil. The reason is that people are not seeking God but are wise in their own eyes alone. Therefore, they make very bad decisions, one being consumed with alcohol, as was just mentioned. As Isaiah said, becoming intoxicated has consequences. The reward is losing out on the righteousness of God in our lives. We are therefore forfeiting it all for the pleasures of this life and what it can do for the flesh. In the meantime, by substituting our lives with the vain things of this world, the Holy Spirit is quenched and therefore missing in our lives. In verse 24, it mentions that such people become rotten inside. Why is this, 1“because they have cast away the law of the Lord of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.” And because the Bible is no longer important to them, verse 25 says, that 1“the anger of the Lord” is 1“kindled against his people”. The chapter ends with God raising up an ensign that will fight on His side. They are not weary or slumber, due to the temptations of this world but have His amour on. Therefore, they roar like a lion. So I ask you, who’s side are you on? Will you make a stand for God or continue in your sins and pay the consequences in death?
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that people will wake up to their sins, this day. May they no longer be content with the lives they are living, if it is against Your will. I know that this wicked lifestyle only happens when people neglect the Bible, and instead fill their lives with the things of this world. Instead of being content with the blessings that You have to give them, they find their pleasures in what the world offers them. Therefore, they do not understand that they are breaking Your commandments. So their lives are filled with evil things that You despise, God. People are making things out to be good, that are evil, which puts a wrench in their relationship with You. And all the righteousness that they once had in You, is dispersed and only darkness remains. Lord, I know how wicked and vile this world has become. What is on TV is really disturbing. This includes movies and video games. Because people have forgotten You and Your laws, they are into drinking, sexual sin, including pornography and homosexuality. I pray that all these things will be cast out of their lives. May You come to these people’s rescue, as they come humbly to You and repent. I know that You can change them and make them clean. I just pray that they give You a chance and put You first Lord. This I pray, in Your Holy Name, Jesus. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
1Isaiah 5:20-30 (KJV)
20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
22 Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:
23 Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!
24 Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the Lord of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.
25 Therefore is the anger of the Lord kindled against his people, and he hath stretched forth his hand against them, and hath smitten them: and the hills did tremble, and their carcases were torn in the midst of the streets. For all this his anger is not turned away, but his hand is stretched out still.
26 And he will lift up an ensign to the nations from far, and will hiss unto them from the end of the earth: and, behold, they shall come with speed swiftly:
27 None shall be weary nor stumble among them; none shall slumber nor sleep; neither shall the girdle of their loins be loosed, nor the latchet of their shoes be broken:
28 Whose arrows are sharp, and all their bows bent, their horses’ hoofs shall be counted like flint, and their wheels like a whirlwind:
29 Their roaring shall be like a lion, they shall roar like young lions: yea, they shall roar, and lay hold of the prey, and shall carry it away safe, and none shall deliver it.
30 And in that day they shall roar against them like the roaring of the sea: and if one look unto the land, behold darkness and sorrow, and the light is darkened in the heavens thereof.
