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.

Please pray for Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu and his speech to the joint-session of congress this morning on CSPAN and FNC at 10:45

If we listen to some of the dominant voices of our time, it would be reasonable to conclude that Israel is the epicenter of evil and wickedness in the Middle East, and for that fact the entire world.  It is asserted that the world would be a better place if Israel were simply gone.  These critics of Israel believe it is better for Israeli citizens to be killed in terrorist attacks then it is for their government to protect them.  Lies are presented as truth and truth as lies.

I am reminded of the scene from CS Lewis’ The Silver Chair (The Chronicles of Narnia) where the Queen/Witch of the Underworld is casting a spell on Prince Rilian and the group that came to rescue him.  “Come, all of you.  Put away these childish tricks.  I have work for all of you in the real world.  There is no Narnia, no Overworld, no sky, no sun, no Aslan.  And now, to bed all.  And let us begin a wiser life tomorrow.  But, first, to bed; to sleep; deep sleep, soft pillows, sleep without foolish dreams.”  Fortunately her enchantment is thwarted and in the process she is revealed as evil one she really is.

Good and evil are defined by God’s Word.  We have the Holy Spirit within us to guide and direct us.  The Lord will protect us from the enchantment of the evil one.  We must learn His Word and walk in His ways.  We must listen to the Holy Spirit and respond righteously in whatever circumstances we find ourselves in.  We (His people) are to be Light in the world.  We are to demonstrate and be living witnesses of the Good, the Light and the Sweet.

We must remember that throughout the history of Israel there were voices that were in opposition to the prophets who were speaking God’s truth.  The leaders and the people had to choose who to listen to. Sometimes they chose wisely but often they ignored or killed those speaking the truth.  It isn’t unreasonable to assume those speaking in opposition to God’s prophets were sincere and believed what they were saying.  Sincerity is no guarantee of being right.

We face the same types of situations today and have throughout history.  Voices are crying out declaring the “right” way to go.  Who are the voices to listen to?  The Munich Pact of 1938 was signed to prevent a war.  Many thought it was good at the time.  They also thought it was good because it affected other people in another place and not them.  Chamberlain was for it and Churchill was against it.    May congress today listen closely and choose wisely.