"In that day the Lord will take away the finery of the anklets, the headbands, and the crescents; the pendants, the bracelets, and the scarves; the headdresses, the armlets, the sashes, the perfume boxes, and the amulets; the signet rings and nose rings; the festal robes, the mantles, the cloaks, and the handbags; the mirrors, the linen garments, the turbans, and the veils." -- Isaiah 3:18-23

In 1986 Ferdinand and Imelda Marcos were forced out of their palace in Manila and into exile. Upon leaving, Imelda left behind 15 mink coats, 508 gowns, 1000 handbags and 3000 pairs of shoes. The drive of greed is overwhelming. Yet, in a very short time everything can change and all the treasures that we have sought after might disappear. When Solomon wrote about wealth in Proverbs 23:4-5, he noted that in a moment it's "... gone, for suddenly it sprouts wings, flying like an eagle toward heaven."

As the words of Isaiah spoke of the Lord's displeasure with the pride of his people, this great finery is mentioned. In arrogance, the people of Israel became so preoccupied with the luxuries of life that they lost sight of the Lord. Such can become a disease in the heart of even the strongest believer. We are tempted by the wealth of the world and the message of the prosperity gospel. Jesus made it clear in Matthew 6:21, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also".

Be careful out there my friend. Israel slipped away from the Lord very slowly and so can we. When we start living for ourselves we seek the pleasures of life with fervor. We become the center of our universe and the Lord is pushed out. Before long our hearts are rooted in the things of this world, and those treasures will one day sprout wings and fly away.