I was reading in my ESV Study Bible today, in the book of Isaiah. This is my first journey through a prophetic book. Over and over, as I continue my journey through the Bible, it is clear to me, that those who would have God be only a God of love, have clearly not read the book. God is also a God of justice.
When we first moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, I was immediately shocked to see a different breed of woman here. The picture, to the left, is an example of very typical Scottsdale women that you might see prancing around the town's "hot spots". In fact, this particular picture was taken from a failed CBS reality show, on said Scottsdale socialites.
When my son first moved out here, he mentioned that he met many a girl who had two questions: 1.) where do you live 2.) what do you drive. If you answered those questions correctly, you were very likely, by man's standards, to "get lucky". My son mentioned that even if you were a fat, ugly, smelly, old fart...if you answered those questions correctly, there was no shortage of beautiful women to swoon over you.
So...Mr. Porter...why on earth are you bringing up all this up?
Well..I'm glad you asked. As I was reading the following verses, it immediately brought to my mind, some of the local scenes into my view. I suspect that Isaiah, quoting God, would have the same message today.
Because the daughters of Zion are haughty
and walk with outstretched necks,
glancing wantonly with their eyes,
mincing along as they go,
tinkling with their feet,
17 therefore the Lord will strike with a scab
the heads of the daughters of Zion,
and the Lord will lay bare their secret parts.
18 In that day the Lord will take away the finery of the anklets, the headbands, and the crescents; 19 the pendants, the bracelets, and the scarves; 20 the headdresses, the armlets, the sashes, the perfume boxes, and the amulets; 21 the signet rings and nose rings; 22 the festal robes, the mantles, the cloaks, and the handbags; 23 the mirrors, the linen garments, the turbans, and the veils.
24 Instead of perfume there will be rottenness;
and instead of a belt, a rope;
and instead of well-set hair, baldness;
and instead of a rich robe, a skirt of sackcloth;
and branding instead of beauty.
25 Your men shall fall by the sword
and your mighty men in battle.
26 And her gates shall lament and mourn;
empty, she shall sit on the ground.
It is abundantly clear that God is going to be very direct as he speaks through Isaiah. Somehow, I bet God is going to call me on the carpet, through the book of Isaiah, as well, as we go along.
