NAKED!

NAKED!

Heb 4:12-16

12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.

14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.

15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Suppose that a messenger of God, an angel, were now standing at your right hand and fixing his eyes upon you, would you not take care to abstain from every word or action that you knew would offend him? Yea, suppose one of your mortal fellow servants, suppose only a holy man stood by you, would you not be extremely anxious how you conducted yourself both in word and action? How much more cautious ought you to be when you know, not a holy man, not an angel of God, but God Himself, the Holy One, is inspecting your heart, your tongue, your hand, every moment, and that He Himself will surely call you to account for all yea think, speak, or act! (Attributed to John Wesley)

Shame is always associated in Scripture with nakedness! Man’s first self-awareness was that he was naked. How long he had been that way is anyone’s guess and he ignored it; it did not bother him in the least. However, when sin entered it tore away the covering of righteousness and made him feel exposed. Fig leaves made a poor covering and so blood was shed to obtain a covering – not for God’s eyes but a covering for man’s own shame. God still saw man as he was.

Ps 90:8

8 Thou hast set our iniquities before thee, our secret sins in the light of thy countenance.

Rev 3:18

18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

Dear Lord, hide me and cover me with thy righteousness that I may commune with Thee without shame. AMEN