Naked...

“Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings.” - Genesis 3:7

As a result of one act of disobedience, Adam and Eve perceived themselves to be naked. Now this nakedness does not speak merely of the physical, but also of the spiritual; that is their souls had become bare, forsaking the covering and protection of their fellowship with God. Tarnished from innocence, branded because of disobedience, they had produced in themselves everlasting guilt and shame.

How true is this of us; that we too are found to be spiritually naked. For which of us has never sinned, nor done wrong? And this wrong producing in us the same guilt and shame, as if we were to be publicly found naked. In turn, our naked souls become weathered and chapped as they are exposed to the raw elements of this world. In prevention of this, we naturally seek “fig leaves,” shelters from shame. Denying reality, we hide behind items of “importance” and issues of the day, running about in a panic trying to build for ourselves a sure foundation in which we can “trust.” But like a 2 year old child, who inefficiently tries to clothe himself, do we likewise fumble about with our inability to truly clothe ourselves. For in the end, these “fig leaves” will not protect us from the harsh elements of reality. The reality is that we are naked, and in need of a parent; that is a loving Father who will clothe us, who will cover us from our shame. We need spiritual coverings and an eternal home, “to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked… so that what is mortal will be swallowed up by life.” - 2 Cor. 5:2-4

Thanks be to God, that Jesus is the life which swallows up our shame and mortality. For in Jesus, our guilt, our shame, and our death have been taken away… completely! For what was once my burden He bore on the cross, and what was to be my punishment He took; after dying, He was buried; and then after three days He rose from the dead, proving that He has victory over death… so that whoever shall believe in Him shall not die in their shame, but have everlasting and eternal life with God the Father. Praise be to God, and glory to the name of Jesus!!!

Is this not the Gospel (Good News) of God, that because of Jesus we are no longer found to be spiritually naked. Therefore let us proclaim this on the rooftops, with all rejoicing!! And for me, please pray that I too may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. With all the gentle mercies of God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. g-