Obedience

The LORD told Isaiah son of Amoz, "Take off all your clothes, including your sandals." Isaiah did as he was told and walked around naked and barefoot. Isaiah 20:2

Have you ever done anything hard for God? When you think about "an obedient servant of the Lord," what comes to mind? I think of missionaries - those God has called to leave their homes and families to go live in a foreign country. I think of friends of mine who grew up in missionary boarding schools while their parents served the Lord in dangerous and remote areas.

Last week, I saw a car that was painted all over with Bible verses and warnings to repent and turn to God. I think there was even an extra sign attached to the roof to make room for more pronouncements. When I saw that car, I admit my reaction was to think it was probably driven by some odd, but well-intentioned person who was probably "not quite right in the head". In my mind, I just don't really think that's the most effective way to witness to people. But as I read scripture, I have to admit that what's "in my mind" is not always accurate.

As I was reading in Isaiah this morning, he's in the midst of making pronouncements on God's plans for judging the nations. He is boldly proclaiming the words God has given him of impending doom and destruction. And then God tells him to take off his clothes and sandals and walk around naked and barefoot. My first thought is that this is a very different picture of God than what most American churches are presenting. And, though I've read this passage before, still I'm thinking, "That's just crazy!" But then, I continue reading and see that not only was Isaiah's response immediate obedience - it was continual obedience. The Bible says that Isaiah walked around barefoot and naked for THREE YEARS! So then my next thought is, "WOW!" Isaiah must have had an incredible confidence in the Lord. And then I began to ask myself what I would have done...

See, when I picture an old guy (I don't know how old Isaiah was at the time, actually) walking around naked, my first thought is that he's got to be some kind of a pervert. If he's not a prevert, then he must be completely insane. But this old guy walking around naked is neither. He is OBEDIENT!

If I'm honest, I don't think I would have done it. And that concerns me. I like to think of myself as being totally committed to following God, and yet this passage points out to me that perhaps that is not true. Total commitment looks very different from modern American Christianity, I'm pretty sure. Many times through the years I have been commended for all I've "given up" to follow the Lord's leading. Sometimes, I've even whined to God about the things I've "given up". In fact, I have really not given up anything for the cause of Christ.

As I look at scripture, I find that often God called His messengers to do much more distasteful things than just walking around naked for a while. And while it is my hope that God never calls me to do something that "crazy", my prayer is that if He does, I will be obedient.

It isn't pretty, but it's... Just a thought...