28/08/2020
, 28 AUGUST
: ISAIAH 3:13-26
: PREPARE FOR GOD’S JUDGEMENT
Isaiah 3:13-26
13 The Lord takes his place in court; he rises to judge the people.
14 The Lord enters into judgment against the elders and leaders of his people: "It is you who have ruined my vineyard; the plunder from the poor is in your houses.
15 What do you mean by crushing my people and grinding the faces of the poor?" declares the Lord, the Lord Almighty.
16 The Lord says, "The women of Zion are haughty, walking along with outstretched necks, flirting with their eyes, tripping along with mincing steps, with ornaments jingling on their ankles.
17 Therefore the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the women of Zion; the Lord will make their scalps bald."
18 In that day the Lord will sn**ch away their finery: the bangles and headbands and crescent necklaces,
19 the earrings and bracelets and veils,
20 the headdresses and ankle chains and sashes, the perfume bottles and charms,
21 the signet rings and nose rings,
22 the fine robes and the capes and cloaks, the purses
23 and mirrors, and the linen garments and tiaras and shawls.
24 Instead of fragrance there will be a stench; instead of a sash, a rope; instead of well-dressed hair, baldness; instead of fine clothing, sackcloth; instead of beauty, branding.
25 Your men will fall by the sword, your warriors in battle.
26 The gates of Zion will lament and mourn; destitute, she will sit on the ground. [NIV]
THOUGHTS FOR THE DAY
This sounds very worrisome! The days of glory have just revealed to Prophet Isaiah in chapter two (2:1-4). There would come a period when the suffering Israel would experience the best leadership. Then Jerusalem would become the centre of religion and government. But without seeing the realization of such governance, hence comes this prophesy of severe judgement. The prophet foretold the judgement that was about to come to two categories of people.
The first group of people to receive the judgement is the elders, princes and kings of Israel who oppressed the poor while the second group is of Israel who were so proud and immoral who dressed to draw people’s attention to their bodies. The emphasis is not on dressing but the style and what it displayed as noted in vs. 6 through the following words: ‘brightly’ outstretch necks, wanton eyes, ... walking and mincing … jingling anklets.” Some people use the passage wrongly to forbid bracelets, ear rings or nose jewels. But the same ignore many other clothes such as turbans, robes, headdresses, garments and purse which are all inclusive. Yet there are laws that forbid headdresses, turbans and purses except earring and jewels in this passage. The message here refers to the display of affluence through wearing these. This can be applicable to the use of expensive cars, watches, shoes, clothes, etc, and how the users present themselves. Therefore, we should beware of whatever we use them. Whatever we use and how we use them. Whatever may cause you to stumble, stop using it. But don’t force it on others. However, one can rebuked for dressing shamelessly in public or places of worship. We should be mindful of what we wear. God watches. But don’t force it on others. However, one can rebuked for dressing shamelessly in public or places of worship. We should be mindful of what we wear. God watches you and is judging your pride!
: Are you aware of God’s judgement on your reckless public behaviour?
: Lord, help me to dress and behave well, in Jesus name, Amen.
