Senseless Extravagance

 

As I live, declares the Lord God, your sister Sodom and her daughters have not done as you and your daughters have done. Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy. They were haughty and did an abomination before me. So I removed them, when I saw it. (Ezekiel 16:48-50 ESV).

 

Our reading today is taken from a passage of judgment from the Prophet Ezekiel toward Judah. The more I read from this context, the more I began to think much of the same could be said of our national culture. I noticed it personally recently when I ran out of cologne (after shave in my mind). I haven’t actually bought any in a very long time. I usually receive some as gifts from my sons. Since I don’t “shave” whatever I have lasts a long time. I did a quick search, according to price point and was shocked. The picture I have attached is of a 4 ounce bottle of men’s cologne. The description from the manufacturer is:

 

The fabled heritage and abstract, eternally sensual bouquet of N°5 are further elevated by this grand presentation. In a deluxe, limited-edition grand flacon, the N°5 Parfum Grand Extrait is an exceptional piece: a highly sought-after treasure for the connoisseur and collector alike. The now and forever fragrance in its rarest form.

 

Oh… the cost of this “fabled” cologne is $4,800.00… read that again, it is not a misprint. Almost five thousand dollars for four ounces of cologne! That might be the definition of senseless extravagance. And, before you ask, I bought a 4.5 ounce bottle with a “woodsy scent” for $18.99, with free prime shipping. Mary hasn’t complained yet, so, I guess it doesn’t stink!

 

Here’s the point… the ancient cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were well-known for their horrific sins. But according to Ezekiel the reason for destroying those cities was not just their immorality but their general disregard for people, especially the poor and powerless. They were literally “careless,” showing no concern for the poor and needy. They felt they had the power to do whatever they wanted with anyone, whether man or woman. That kind of arrogance earned them a swift and devastating destruction. That was true in Sodom, and it’s true today. Those who crush by oppression will be crushed. Those who show no concern for the weak will be shown no concern. Economic sins crush the life of millions in our world today. God will not forget those sins on judgment day. As we get closer to Thanksgiving, please remember those who have little to be thankful for.