There are two passages assigned for today!

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 3
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
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. [Isaiah 3:16]
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. [Isaiah 3:24]
Through Isaiah the Lord explains why He is releasing Israel to the misery of violence and oppression – because that is what they are guilty of doing against the weak.
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. [Isaiah 3:14]
Society has become a mess: men and women had surrendered their integrity and responsibility in the home and community, and all manner of cruelty and immorality have resulted.
The poor are oppressed, the weak are take advantage of, adults leave the children to fend for themselves, men use and abuse women for their own pleasure, and women willingly play the seduction game.
Here the Lord challenges the women for their part in this immoral mess.

When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?” “No one, sir,” she said. “Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” [John 8:7-11]
This story about Jesus shows that God sees through the problem of sexual immorality, that it is not just the women who are at fault but that the men are often the instigators behind it.
There would be no need of prostitution and pornography if people (primarily men) did not demand it.
In that male-dominated society, sex was one of the few tools that women could use to survive!
Jesus exposes the lustful hearts of the religious leaders, and shows them their part in the problem.
The look on their faces testifies against them [Isaiah 3:9]

But Jesus also warns this adulterous women – in a very gracious, loving way – that she needs to stop playing the sex game with men.
Like Isaiah, He warns her that playing that game only leads to further misery and despair.
Neither do I condemn you, go now and leave your life of sin.” [John 8:11]
I am convinced that Jesus repeats this same message to sex-trade workers today.
He knows what led them to that trade, He knows the things that happened to them that turned them to that way of life, and He does not condemn them for it.
But He does warn them clearly that the lifestyle is dangerous, destructive, and that they should quit it.
Beware playing the sex game, even if society demands it of you; don’t go there, it will ultimately destroy you!

I think of these passages in light of recent court rulings that open the way to legalized prostitution; the rulings are intended to protect sex trade workers, but Isaiah warns that the opposite will result – it will only encourage people (primarily men) to use and abuse them.
And Jesus says to them, with love and concern – Neither do I condemn you, go now and leave your life of sin.
Hmm, is that the message that Christians are sending them too?

PRAYER:
Lord, You love porn stars and prostitutes. You know what led them to that way of life. May I not be one of those that avails myself of their services, but rather may I share your love with them, and help them leave that life.