Friday morning focus.

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.

Therefore the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the women of Zion;

the LORD will make their scalps bald."

In that day the Lord will snatch away their finery; the bangles and headbands and crescent necklaces, the earrings and bracelets and veils, the headdresses and ankle chains and sashes, the perfume bottles and charms, the signet rings and nose rings, the fine robes and the capes and cloaks, the purses and mirrors, and the linen garments and tiaras and shawls.

(Isaiah 3:16-23)

This verse really stood out to me today. In the middle of all these warnings to Israel about their idolatry towards God, Isaiah specifically speaks about the women of Israel.  It's not some chauvinistic comment on the women's actions, but a true Word from God.  A warning that the adorning of all these things in the name of 'personal beauty' is a form of idolatry towards God.  Even today, many ladies are obsessed with their looks.  It is common for an Australian woman to 'need' a multitude of hand bags, shoes and jewelry.  Yet I think this passage speaks against that.

I know, as a man, I'm putting myself close to the edge of ridicule from women here, but seriously, I think this passage is pretty clear abut the intentions in having so much of this stuff, and that one day if it's not given over to God He will simply snatch it away.