POSTED 09 MAY, 2010

Good for Evil

by Mark Huey
mark@outreachisrael.net

reproduced from the McHuey Blog

Do you ever hear something that so rattles your heart and spirit that your internal voice literally screams at you? Perhaps over the years because of your sincere pursuit of God and the Holy Scriptures, you have inculcated your mind with verses like the following. Deep in your heart, you know the profound distinction between good and evil:

“He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the righteous, both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord” (Proverbs 17:15).

When you hear words or witness actions which remind you of this truism, you are appalled with the abominable behavior.

If you keep up with current events in the United States, some of the things that you might be hearing are quite alarming. Many of our leaders should be more tactful and careful with their words, and it is not always comforting to know how many only have positional authority over you because of the democratic process. How many of us have fallen into the trap of imparting our values and mindset onto others, who only claim they adhere to the basic Judeo-Christian values which form the foundation of Western Civilization? Regrettably, the actions—and even the words—of these charlatans speak much louder than their meager attempts to subterfuge their actual motivations.

Recently, two media interviews I saw by authors of new books, which are shedding some light on the modern cultural substitution of good for evil and evil for good, brought this passage of Scripture from Isaiah to mind. It is abundantly clear that many in the public arena, be they politicians or the media, are unapologetically calling evil good and good evil:

“Therefore My people go into exile for their lack of knowledge; and their honorable men are famished, and their multitude is parched with thirst. Therefore Sheol has enlarged its throat and opened its mouth without measure; and Jerusalem’s splendor, her multitude, her din of revelry and the jubilant within her, descend into it. So the common man will be humbled and the man of importance abased, the eyes of the proud also will be abased. But the Lord of hosts will be exalted in judgment, and the holy God will show Himself holy in righteousness. Then the lambs will graze as in their pasture, and strangers will eat in the waste places of the wealthy. Woe to those who drag iniquity with the cords of falsehood, and sin as if with cart ropes; who say, ‘Let Him make speed, let Him hasten His work, that we may see it; and let the purpose of the Holy One of Israel draw near and come to pass, that we may know it!’ 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! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight! Woe to those who are heroes in drinking wine and valiant men in mixing strong drink, who justify the wicked for a bribe, and take away the rights of the ones who are in the right! Therefore, as a tongue of fire consumes stubble and dry grass collapses into the flame, so their root will become like rot and their blossom blow away as dust; for they have rejected the law of the Lord of hosts and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel” (Isaiah 5:13-24).

Lamentably, the Orwellian doublespeak we witness should be most disconcerting, if the history of disobedient Israel is going to repeat itself in some large capacity via the licentious debauchery of post-Christian America. While the parallels are notable, no one absolutely knows how God is going to deal with those who blatantly oppose Him, or strongly protest that He does not exist. Nevertheless, the “woes” of Isaiah are something to consider, especially since these patterns of ignorance of knowledge, advancing darkness instead of light, substituting bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter, ignoble personal pride, alcohol abuse, open bribery, and distorting the rights of the just—are reoccurring en masse as the Lord’s return approaches. For some, the multiple woes of the Book of Revelation might also come to mind.

But for the true Believer in the God of the Scriptures, these days represent incredible opportunities to become salt and light to people all over the world, who need redemption. As the Messiah Yeshua admonishes His followers, do not become tasteless salt or a light hidden under a basket:

“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:13-16).

Whether you realize it or not, the same alarms that are upsetting you are also discouraging untold millions who are hearing or are witnessing similar things. Innately, they know that what is happening in America and the world is terribly wrong, but in many cases, they have been so programmed by the world, the flesh, and the Devil—that they are unable to resolutely or clearly sort out good from evil and right from wrong.

Recognize that you have the only answer which solves all of their puzzling questions. Many are unknowingly yet anxiously waiting for you to share with them. After all, those who truly know the Creator God should know the difference between good and evil, and joyfully testify to the distinctions. Be sensitive to those pursuing answers to seemingly unsolvable questions. Know that your good works will definitely glorify your Father who is in Heaven, since He will strategically place you in positions to share the good news with those intrinsically seeking help and deliverance.

Finally, follow the advice of the Apostle Paul, as he warns the Roman Believers how to lovingly overcome evil with good, in words that almost echo the thoughts of Isaiah:

“Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord. ‘But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head’ [Leviticus 19:18; Proverbs 25:21-22]. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:9-21).

Remember, two things replace evil and cover a multitude of sins. Turning a sinner away from his or her sin (James 5:20) and love (1 Peter 4:8). Practice and perfect these actions! Nothing more needs to be said!

Until the restoration of all things…

Mark Huey (B.A., Vanderbilt University in History and Graduate Studies at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University) is the Director of Outreach Israel Ministries (www.outreachisrael.net). He is the author of several books, including: TorahScope, Volumes I & II, and Counting the Omer: A Daily Devotional Toward Shavuot. He is also co-author of Hebraic Roots: An Introductory Study.