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.
Isaiah 5:20
Beloved, do you hear it? Can you sense it? Tick-tock-tick-tock, time is running out and it’s time to pick a side or you’ll be swept by the tide. I know this sounds dramatic, but it’s true. We are living in a time of great confusion. Where truth has become a lie, and lies have become truth. Imagine you are driving down the highway, and you miss an exit, next you find yourself driving down unpaved roads, uncertain of where you are and wondering how to get back to where you were. Do you know that feeling? I thought so. You see, this turn of events in our world didn’t just happen in an instant, it began a long time ago. It happened gradually, and incrementally, when humanity decided it was time to take our eyes off the map, and just cruise along on one unfamiliar road, and then another. Maybe it was the voices on the radio, or the incessant chatter of the passenger in the next seat, or perhaps it was the scenery. Whatever the distraction, we have lost our way, and there is only one way back, we need the map.
Isaiah warns that judgment is coming upon those who call evil good and good evil; for those who exchange darkness for light and light for darkness; for those who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Do you find yourself wondering about the goings on of the world today? Do you see humankind slapping labels where they don’t belong? Have you noticed how many people peddle evil for good and good for prude? Have you found yourself wondering, “Did I miss something?” Well, wonder no more, it’s all in the map. 2 Timothy 3: 1-5 (KJV) reminds us that: “This know also, that in the last day’s perilous times shall come. For men, shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn, away.
Isaiah also prophesies hope for the people of God. As darkness begins to cover the earth, the Lord will rise upon his people and his glory will appear over them. Nations will be drawn to their light, and kings to the brightness of their dawn (Isaiah 60: 2-3). This was true for Zion and is also true for you today. Believer, stay the course; keep your eyes on the map; turn away from evil. His word alone is a lamp for your feet, a light for your path (Psalm 119:105). Don’t go by the news on the radio, in many cases it’s no news at all; don’t go by anyone’s opinion either, that’s the incessant chatter; and don’t fall for the scenery, the crowds, the marches, the boisterous noisemakers, instead go directly to the map, the trusted and trustworthy, unchanging word of the Living God, who was, who is and who is to come. In quietness of trust is your strength (Isaiah 30:15b). As darkness covers the earth, God himself will rise among his people and his glory will become evident to the whole earth. Hallelujah!
Almighty God, what an incredible gift it is to know that you care for me. That I am not only redeemed, but I am your child and your friend. Thank you for inviting me to participate in your story. May the light of your presence guide and guard my life as I walk in the shadow of your truth. Amen.