Planting Seeds Day 12: Covering the Naked

Planting seeds of God’s love can start from meeting people’s basic needs and clothing is a big need!

The Prodigal Son:

The younger of two sons asked for his share of his father’s estate and the father’s wealth was divided. The younger son went away and squandered it with wild living. The only job he could get was in the fields feeding pigs and he envied the pigs their food. He remembered his father’s laborers always had enough to eat and he determined to go to his father, repent and become his servant. But his father felt compassion for him, embraced him and said, “Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet and let’s celebrate with a fatted calf. My son was dead and is now alive. He was lost and has been found!” From Luke 15: 11-24

Who are the naked? Clothing poverty and insecurity is about more than actually having clothes on your back. There are a lot of thrift stores, clothing closets and churches that give away clothing. In my small county of 100,000 people, there are at least fifteen places where clothing may be found for free or minimal charge. Of course, transportation is needed to get there. And once clothing is obtained, cleaning it is another hassle. Laundromats are very expensive these days and again, you probably need a car to get there. Appropriate clothing is also important. Depending on the weather in your part of the world, light or heavy coats, rain gear, warm socks or shoes, hats and scarves will be needed. Children going to school might need to wear a school uniform. Parents interviewing or holding a job may need special clothes to appear employable. Older children may be conscious of fashion and what clothing is cool or uncool.

But covering the naked can be more than providing different kinds of clothing. There is an attitude of nakedness that we are asked to cover and plant the seeds of His love with. There could be a feeling of lack, an insecurity of mind, or a spirit of comparison that springs from not having clean clothing, or the right clothing. 

The prodigal son felt naked like this. He was Jewish and could not eat pork but was so down in the world that he was sent to the fields to feed pigs. He was living with them and wearing dirty clothing. He lacked food and compared himself to his father’s servants. The father’s first response was to embrace him, clothe his son with his best clothes, adorn him with jewelry and feed him his best food. He never scolded him or asked for repayment. He held a party! 

Our immediate response might be like this: I should be like this father for others.

But a deeper meaning of this parable is that your Father in heaven welcomes you in your nakedness, just like this prodigal son. He wants to spoil you with His riches, no matter what you have done! He welcomes the naked, whoever they are and however they have come to this place.

When did God find you and give you a party (Luke 15:5-7)?

Ask Him to give you a generous spirit of delight in people!

Find an organization that has a mission of respect and restoration at its heart.

Or, find some like-minded folks and organize yourselves to do something creative.

In what way might God lead you to help cover the naked?

Father God, You have definitely spoiled me with Your riches. I want to share Your delight in me with others who are naked. Thank You. Amen.