Hi Friend,

In his book “Straight Talk to Men” author James Dobson shares an anecdote that may illustrate, as well as any other simile, the problem our country is facing.

A mother took her young son, Robert to the dentist. Mom loved Robert more than anything in the world and did everything possible to prevent harm, even harm to his self-esteem. In other words, she never said “No.” We all know Robert’s mom, her name is legion, and she lives in every city and town across the globe.

It is, after all, a mom’s job to keep her children safe.

Robert learned early on the magic words that would propel his mom to action. In his case the words were “I will take off my clothes right here…”  which was followed by a demand to get a toy or avoid doing a task.  The threat sent terror into her heart and she instantly capitulated to any demand. As time went on Robert came to believe that the world, in fact, could be manipulated by this magic phrase.

One day mom took Robert to the dentist to have cavities filled. Reality was beginning to shatter some of the illusions he had created. Mom could be threatened into giving sweets whenever he wanted them, but even naked people get cavities.

The dentist explained what needed to be done and instructed Robert to climb into the unfriendly looking chair. Robert wasn’t so keen on this procedure and pulled out the standard threat of taking off his clothes. The dentist wasn’t so easily manipulated. Robert stripped down to his underwear in an attempt to up the ante. The dentist held firm.

“I said I would take off ALL my clothes,” responded Robert.

The dentist was willing to treat any paying patient, so Robert fulfilled his threat, took off the remaining clothes and climbed into the chair whereupon the dentist filled several cavities.

After the job was finished, Robert climbed down from the chair and asked for his clothes back. But the dentist told him that he would keep the clothes until the next day when his mother could return to get them. Robert walked into the crowded waiting room clothed in nothing but his pink skin, much to the surprise of the other patients and his mom.

But the story doesn’t end here. Robert had to walk down the hall, ride the elevator and walk through the parking lot to the car in the same suit in which he came into the world.

Even here the story doesn’t end. Isaiah, an Old Testament Prophet writes of a time when God says “I will make boys their officials; mere children will govern them. People will oppress each other—man against man, neighbor against neighbor. The young will rise up against the old, the base against the honorable.”  (Isaiah 3:4-5 NIV)”

He continues in verse 12, “Youths oppress my people, women rule over them. O my people, your guides lead you astray; they turn you from the path.”

Isaiah described a nation where Robert has become an adult in body but not in mind. He has graduated from college, been elected to office and lives in Washington, D.C., or London, or Paris. Wherever he lives he still throws tantrums—oppresses his neighbors—to get his way.

If Robert doesn’t hold office, he chooses those who do. He has a job that pays more than he deserves, a house that costs more than he can afford, expects the government to do for him the things he should do for himself, and blames others for his bad choices.

Judgment is inevitable.

“The LORD takes his place in court; he rises to judge the people.

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.

What do you mean by crushing my people and grinding the faces of the poor?” declares the Lord, the LORD Almighty.”

(Isaiah 3:13-17)

What will be the punishment be?

“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.

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.

Your men will fall by the sword, your warriors in battle.

The gates of Zion will lament and mourn; destitute, she will sit on the ground.”

(Isaiah 3:17-26)

What will become of Robert?

One of the blessings from God is that punishment reveals the good fruit of repentance, so Isaiah doesn’t end the story in despair. The time will come when Robert will see himself, naked, as he really is. And humility before God will lead to restoration. But that is a few years down the road. Between now and then, Robert has some trials to go through.

Isaiah describes that trial followed by triumph. Those who endure the trials will be stronger, more ethical and closer to God. He says they “will be called Holy” (Isaiah 4:3).  “The Lord will wash away the filth… cleanse the bloodstains [and] be a shelter” to His people once again.” (verses 4-6)

Until next time,

Jim O’Brien