Anchoring our Vaka on the Word – Week 1, Day 5

5 July 2026

Isaiah 5:18-24

Theme: Woe to those who call evil good

“…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. ²¹ Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight…”

Reflection

Isaiah’s warning pierces directly into our present struggle. In many communities, drugs destroy lives, yet some turn a blind eye because they profit from the trade. Families remain silent, refusing to report what they know, while churches sometimes hesitate to name the sin because the same hands that peddle destruction also place tithes in the offering plate.

This is the very inversion Isaiah condemns: calling evil good, and good evil. God’s Word exposes this hypocrisy. To ignore the scourge of drugs is to exchange light for darkness, truth for lies. Silence becomes complicity, and complicity becomes corruption.

Those who think themselves clever for hiding the truth are warned: God sees, and His justice will not be mocked. It reminds us that God sees everything and nothing is done in secrecy. All will be revealed in due time.

Family Prayer

“God of justice and truth, forgive us when we have turned a blind eye to evil or stayed silent for fear of losing comfort. Give us courage to speak truth, wisdom to guide our youth, and strength to stand against the scourge of drugs and stigma. Make our families and churches beacons of light, refusing to call evil good, and delighting only in Your truth. Amen.” and compassion this week.

Family Discussions

1. What does it mean to “call evil good and good evil” in our community today?
2. How does silence or complicity in the drug crisis harm families and youth?
3. Why is it important for the Church to speak truth even when it risks losing financial support?
4. How can our family commit to honesty and courage when faced with sensitive issues like drugs and stigma?
5. What practical steps can we take to ensure we are not complicit in evil but active in truth and compassion?