Piercing has been in vogue since the 70's, when we thought we were trendy having multiples holes in one ear. Things have gotten more 'edgy' these days, and gauges are in style... a round disk set into a hole in the ear lobe. The Auca Indians of Ecuador may have been the original trendsetters.
When I recovered from the initial surprise of seeing skinny-jean-wearing-emo-boys at the mall, with big gauges in their ears, I had a thought "why don't we make 'spinners' for gauges"? ... yes, it was my idea... no, I'm not proud of it.
But I've gotta say, gauges sure do get your attention and cause you to wonder.
The Bible speaks of ear piercings, and for purposes much higher than just 'stylin' at the mall. God's law was crystal clear in its commands about treating servants well. After working off a debt or after 7 years of service, they were to be set free. But, if they decided they didn't want to, if they loved their master, they could volunteer to remain in their service (Deuteronomy 15:17, Ex 21:6). As a sign to all, they could be pierced with an awl through their ear against a door (please pass the penicillin), leaving a large hole in the ear lobe. This would proclaim to all others that the servant loved the master and was permanently committed to him. It would sure cause people to wonder about the servant, but even more about a master deserving of such respect and honor.
I gotta say... my Master is above all others, worthy of my ear being punched with an awl. I would love to be able to do that as a 'shout out' to the world... but at my age, and in our culture, I'd just look like a dork. But in my heart, my ears are gauged, humbly honored to be forever in service to The One who was pierced with spikes for my transgressions (Is 53:5).
