Woe to Those...

The prophet Isaiah represented the Lord at a time when Israel had wandered far from their God. They continued their religious practices and gave lip service to Jehovah, but their hearts were far from him.  While they offered up morning sacrifices at the temple, kept their Sabbaths, and celebrated the festivals, they rejected God’s righteousness, justice and mercy.  After leaving the temple they would go to their high places to worship pagan gods (demons) and treat others with disdain.

Isaiah put it this way. “You, Lord, have abandoned your people, the descendants of Jacob.

They are full of superstitions from the East; they practice divination like the Philistines

and embrace pagan customs. Their land is full of silver and gold; there is no end to their treasures…Their land is full of idols; they bow down to the work of their hands, to what their fingers have made. So, people will be brought low and everyone humbled” (Isa. 2:6-9).

It is not a new thing that cultural leaders declare they are people of faith and morality while they actually ignore the laws of God at every turn.  Our culture now celebrates and encourages the very sins that the word of God condemns.  They do so under the banners of “enlightenment” and “tolerance.”  They also heavily label those who are faithful to stand for the Word of God as ignorant, intolerant, bigoted, “phobes” of every kind, and haters.

Some of these influencers for evil even claim to represent God in their views as they twist the scriptures to support their lifestyle and positions.  However, Isaiah also declared, “ Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter” (Isa. 5:20).

I used to think these men and women were conniving liars who knew exactly what they were doing and simply catered to whichever audience they were trying to seduce that day.  I still believe some of those who oppose the Word of God (and, thus, oppose God) knowingly, are out there.  But, I am also convinced that many are passionate about their positions because they are totally deceived by the enemy.  They believe what they stand for is good and right and in the best interest of this nation. These influencers are the most dangerous because they are sincere and, therefore, convincing. When they claim to represent God or his word, they are standing in the place of false prophets.

Satan is intent on bringing America down.  Much of that hatred is because we have been a “Christian” nation since our founding.  Anything that bears the name of Christ, Satan will hate.  We have also been the greatest exporter of the gospel in the world over the past two  centuries.  In addition, we have been strong supporters of Israel since 1948.  America is certainly not perfect, but imagine what would happen if this nation were to fall from its place of influence in the world.  The Chinese, the Russians, or militant Islam would take control…all of which are currently the most extreme and ruthless violators of human rights and freedoms in the world. Those who cry out for tolerance in America would find no tolerance under those regimes.

We live in a culture now where homosexuality, transgenderism, cohabitation, adultery, lying, slander, new age practices, eastern religions, and witchcraft are not only tolerated but often celebrated…while Christianity is belittled, slandered, and persecuted.  Because of that, many casual Christians have been drawn over to the “dark side.”

Satan’s strategy is to make modern America like ancient Israel is the days of Isaiah.  Even though we may still give lip service to God, if our hearts are far from him, his righteousness will demand judgment on a nation that has borne his name but has renounced him in all of our practices.

As believers, we must not fall victim to the practice of calling evil good and good evil.  Culture does not determine what is good and what is evil.  The God of heaven determines those things.  It is never been more important than now to faithfully represent God in our culture – in the voting booth, in conversations with friends, on social media, in public venues, and especially in our pulpits.  Will we experience some persecution?  Undoubtedly. Jesus clearly stated that those who love him will be hated by the world.  However, they will be loved by the Father. This is a season to be praying for spiritual wisdom, discernment, and boldness.  America is not lost, but if good people remain silent and tolerate evil, it will be. We need to understand that silence is functionally agreement.

As always, we need to be reminded to hate the sin but love the sinner.  We are called to love even our enemies.  But love does not support what is destructive or it is not love.  We cannot support what will lead a person to hell or a nation to judgment.  Our prayer is to be,” Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”  Our passive agreement with evil will not establish God’s kingdom on earth. The church (you and I) must function as the conscience of our nation, so please be the voice that calls good good and evil evil.  Do so with love and respect, but do so.