OCTOBER 12, 2023 – SIXFOLD WOE

READ:  Is. 5:8-24

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!         – Is. 5:20

Isaiah is commissioned by the LORD to warn against various wicked practices because they provoke His wrath. These practices are also relevant today. Let’s go through them: The first woe concerns enriching oneself with the possessions of others, leaving no room for them to dwell. Greed at the expense of others goes against the 8th commandment.

The second woe concerns getting drunk, where intoxication leads to neglecting God (v.12). Knowledge of God and His Word fades (v.13). The same applies to various other addictions. In our time, this includes internet, film, and social media addiction (against the 1st and 10th commandments). Apart from the activity itself: how can you have time left to focus your attention on God?

The third woe points to shameless blasphemy, transgressing the 3rd commandment. Nowadays, this can be heard in almost every radio and TV program.

The fourth woe concerns the 9th commandment. Everything is twisted. Good becomes bad, and bad becomes good. In our postmodern society, there is no longer absolute truth; everyone does what is right in their own eyes. All certainties and divine orders vanish. This is a sign of revolution: overturning everything that God has created and determined.

The fifth woe is the sin of autonomy (against the 2nd commandment). People no longer want to be dictated by anything or anyone. They themselves are the standard.

The sixth woe reiterates the second woe, along with corruption through accepting bribes and perverting justice.

These sins have existed through all ages and remain prevalent today.

We too are naturally inclined towards these six mentioned sins. The above helps us to recognize their nature, distance ourselves from them, and warn others against them.

Reflect on which woes you recognize within yourself

Singing: Ps. 14:1,2