Isaiah 5:12 & 20

We've all quoted Isiah 5:20, Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!

But, I know of no one who has explained how we got here. Let's back up a few verses.

How about Isiah 5:12? I believe it gives a clue, And the harp, and the viol, the tabret, and pipe, and wine, are in their feasts: but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands.

That last phrase, but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands caught my eye.

Today in our religious gatherings we drink coffee like they drank wine in Biblical times…

I believe we can translate Isiah 5:12 into modern speak, 'We have the drums, we have the electric guitar, we have the steel guitar, bass, piano and synth in our religious services, we would not dare open the doors without coffee service, water and doughnuts, but no one regales the mighty works of God, or the saving works of His Hands.'

I remember a revival, I was overwhelmed by where the ladies prayer group operated in Words of Knowledge, were medically verifiable healings were taking place. Many spontaneously, no mighty words from the pulpit, no laying on of hands, no anointing with oil. Jesus came and walked among us.

Today when I share the factual details of those days I am considered a liar seeking stature.

NO!

I only want others to be as I am except for the grief I have borne and continue to bear, that I might be just another one among many who experience and share the manifest presence of Jesus.

I remember the run-up to that revival, oh it was latent before I ever came on the scene, but it wasn't a steam roller — yet.

Sunday after Sunday our pastor shared story after story of missionaries who had experienced a miraculous intervention in their lives, not with a wistful look at the past but with an expectation for the present. What God had done yesterday, He not only could do today but, would do today.

Until one Suday we didn't just stumble into church, we came in with a roar of expectation. And, our expectation became a throne of praise upon which our Lord and King could, if He so desired, enthrone Himself among us. And, He Did!

And, we carried that knowledge all through the work week, looking forward to the Monady night Bible study at this house, the Friday night Bible study at another house and then once built, Saturday night at The New Wine Coffee House.

And, it's all faded into history because: 'forgetting those things which are past'.

If that verse is so over arching why then did Jehovah require so many witness stone piles to remind His People of the things He had done to bring them through?

"but they regard not the work of the LORD, neither consider the operation of his hands"

Oh, I am not talking about a minor back ache or a headache, these are common to human kind.

But, He has and continues to work and move in the lives of those that are His and who expect His Hands to act.