Because of the importance of Israel and its people, and my personal love for The Land, I’m inviting you to join me through the key Old Testament book of Isaiah. Each day I’m posting some simple thoughts about this complex prophet.
Isaiah 20.
Well, you just have to read this one yourselves…
I’m reading a number of commentaries to try to understand.
Three years Isaiah walked around town naked. Most of the Puritan era commentators say “well, he wasn’t really naked…” I think he was. It was complete exposure, complete humility. And it was a sign that this is what happens to a people who trust in mere man — as they were doing.
“They will be confused and frustrated, because they depended on Ethiopia and bragged about Egypt.” (v5, MSG). Where is our dependence? On man or on God? Who do we brag about? God or man?
What kind of things are we to wear? Paul spells it out in Colossians 3:
“So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It’s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.” (Colossians 3:12-14, MSG).
And in Ephesians 4, as a sign of our maturity in Christ, we are to: “put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” (Ephesians 4:24, NIV).
Look at the words of Jesus:
“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” (John 12:32, NIV).
Jesus had to die, naked and completely humiliated and thoroughly exposed, so that we might have eternal life through His resurrected body, clothed in the righteousness and the fullness and the beauty of God. Those new clothes are ours, as we humble ourselves and put our trust in God alone.
Only in our humility, will He raise us up as He raised up Jesus.
(c) 2020. Rich Ronald.
RichRonald.com 