Isaiah 5:20 Isaiah 5:20  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.

We seem to be surrounded by voices that are intent on living out these verses to the detriment of everyone. Politicians, media, Hollywood, schools, entertainment, atheists, religious people – the list just goes on.  If the Judeo-Christian heritage is for it, the world is against it.  It’s the truth that sets us free, not the lies; lies bring bondage.  But in this setting Jesus has us!

The good news for us and the world is that Jesus intends us – His people – to be answers not victims!  Instead of viewing this verse from the perspective of it being a warning, our focus today is upon the reality of what the Lord enables us as Christians, and the Church, to be.  In a sick, sick world, we are the compass to lead people to the truth.

Because of Jesus, we are able to live lives that identify good as good and evil as evil.  Because of His love for us, we can put light for light and darkness for darkness.  Because of the Holy Spirit we are able to put sweet for sweet and bitter for bitter.  We, and the lives we lead, are God’s answers for those who are searching for Him and His ways – and who often don’t even know they are searching.

A few verses before this in verse 5:16 it says, “But the LORD Almighty will be exalted by his justice, and the holy God will show himself holy by his righteousness.”  Our calling as Christians means we are to be light and salt.  We are to show forth His love and live lives of righteousness that glorify our God.  Amidst all the darkness and deception that our cultures and the world have, God has placed us!

This opportunity we have is expressed wonderfully by Paul: “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ and through us spreads everywhere the fragrance of the knowledge of him.” (2 Corinthians 2:14)

Think of it!  In a world of darkness and despair He has chosen to spread His fragrance through us.  Some will recoil because they are not interested in Him.  But others will be attracted because they are responding to the work of His Spirit, drawing them to redemption.  We get to share His fragrance with all who surround us, knowing and trusting that there are those who will respond to Him.