Message from Scripture: 10/22/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today comes from Isa. 5:20; “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness, who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.”

 

Someone once said, “More people might do right, if we could convince them that doing right is sinful.” Well, sometimes, it seems there is truth in this statement. There are many who run to sin, to fulfill its lusts and have their desires gratified. This thought is expressed time and again in the expression, “But everyone else is doing it; why can't I?”

 

We tend to equate popularity with approval. So many people doing something, permitting something, or consenting to something, can't be wrong. Or can they? King Ahab of Israel had 400 prophets to act as his “yes men,” to justify his desire to do as he pleased. When asked about the prophet of God, Ahab responded, “I hate him, because he does not prophesy good concerning me” (1 Kings 22:8). What Ahab was saying is that God's way often opposed his way, so he hired false prophets to justify his actions.

 

Jesus put it this way. “The gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it” (Matt. 7:13). Why is this? Are we crazy? No, but we can be deceived. Satan appeals to our desires, deceives us into thinking wrong is right, and we follow. What we need is education. God's will can fulfill our desires in righteousness, rather than sinfulness. A proper understanding helps us control our desires, instead of our desires controlling us. God's word points us to a better way, a more noble way, which offers eternal life. What desire can be greater than this?

 

God can fill our desires through His mercy and grace and love. His way is the best way after all. Let’s serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in a way where others can know the truth that can set them free. God bless.

 

Robert