Isaiah 3 and 4

Because chapter 4 is very short and because chapter 3 isn't very uplifting, I'll cover both today.

In chapter 3, God explains what will happen to Jerusalem and Judah because of their disobedience to Him. Neighbors will turn against each other, and "mere children" will become the leaders (Is. 3:4, 5). "O my people, your guides lead you astray; they turn you from the path" (Is. 3:12b). These verses remind me of our pop culture today. Young actors, musicians, and athletes are placed in the spotlight and become role models for our youth. Some young people are wise, but by and large, a society needs to honor the wisdom of its elders.

A warning about women's adornments and the resulting haughtiness appear in verses 16 through 24. Some items mentioned are bangles, earrings, bracelets, ankle chains, sashes, nose rings, purses, and tiaras! (Note: This is not an argument against nose rings, though they do freak me out.) Again, I am reminded of our culture. I have to say it's not just women, though, guys! Years ago, I subscribed to InStyle magazine, a publication devoted to showcasing the preferred beauty products, fashion, and accessories of celebrities. You can take only so much of reading about $200 cotton shirts, $500 shoes, and other ridiculously priced "bling bling." Interesting that God warned against the dangers of being caught up in external appearances in the days of Isaiah--around 750 B.C. Human nature does not change.

Thankfully, neither does the nature of God. Chapter 4 prophesies about the Branch of the LORD--Jesus. "In that day the Branch of the LORD will be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel. Those who are left in Zion, who remain in Jerusalem, will be called holy...." (Is. 4:2-3a). Of course, we know that none of us is able to make himself holy. Jesus is Himself our holiness when we accept His sacrifice of Himself in our stead. God is a merciful God. Furthermore, He is a God of comfort. "Then the LORD will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over all the glory will be a canopy. It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain" (Is. 4:5-6). With our experiences of the extremes of Texas weather, that divine beyond-golf-sized umbrella sounds quite appealing!

May God call you to examine your hearts as well as embrace His loving nature today.