The Beginning of the End
Chapter 16
2 Kings 17-19; Isaiah 3,6, 13-14, 49, 53

Isaiah speaks God’s Word to Judah . . . . . And to 21st Century America

"What do you mean by crushing my people and grinding the faces of the poor?" declares the Lord, the LORD Almighty. 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 snatch 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." Isaiah 3:15-26 (NIV)

Prayer

Lord today’s scripture hits home. I know you’re not against beauty but that you are angered by opulence when others  don’t have enough to eat. I know you pained by our self indulgence, particularly  when at the expense of those less fortunate. And I feel convicted. Forgive me, forgive all of us for our over the top materialism and give your perspective and your heart. Help me to see as you see, as a parent who want the most well off of his children to care for his brothers and sisters as for himself. Amen.