One of my childhood friend’s dreams was to live on a farm where her kids could run around naked and in her words, “they could be free”. Something about that vision never really connected with me. I love wearing clothes and the thought of such a place sounds like everything but freedom. I feel comfortable in clothing and I like that you change every day. It opens up the possibilities of expression while also giving me a sense of security and protection.

In Isaiah 20 we’re introduced to this story where Isaiah has to go naked for three years straight. That sounds troubling to me. Why would God have Isaiah do such a thing and for that length of time? We find out that it was a prophetic action pointing to the future humbling of the Egyptian nation and the Cushites. Isaiah 20:5 says, “then those who trusted in Cush and boasted in Egypt will be dismayed and put to shame. This is because the king of Assyria will lead the Egyptians and Cushites stripped, barefoot, and with their buttocks bared.

One of the first things Adam and Eve did after the fall was cover themselves up for they realized they were naked. The immediate result of sin is shame. Covering themselves up with leaves made them feel protected and secure while being naked made them feel exposed and shamed. A similar thing happened when the Egyptians and the Cushites were stripped naked to be put to shame.

One of my favorite authors defines shame as the fear of not being worthy of connection. That you have done something so bad that you are no longer worthy of having a relationship with. Jesus tells you to let go of your shame. He paid for the consequences of sin, including shame. He is the one that knows all your sins and still deems you worthy of having a relationship with the holiest God. Instead of you staining the purity of God, God purifies your shame and sin to the point of making you holy as well.