I was given a new Bible translation by a sweet lady at a women’s conference this past year. It’s called The Voice and it’s published by Thomas Nelson. I’ve decided it’s going to be my go-to in the new year to pull out different aspects of scripture and help me think deeper. And today, I already found one I want to share with you.
In 2 Corinthians 5, Paul speaks about our desire to leave these natural human “tents” (bodies) and be clothed with God’s glory. Traditionally, in the New King James, it reads: “For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our habitation which is from heaven, if indeed, having been clothed, we shall not be found naked” (verses 2-3). Now listen to this same passage in The Voice: “Currently, in this tent of a house, we continue to groan and ache with a deep desire to be sheltered in our permanent home because then we will be truly clothed and comfortable, protected by a covering for our current nakedness.”
Bam! The New King James will always be my solid foundation, but I like it when something is said just a little different and makes me think differently!
What jumped out at me in this passage was the phrase “our current nakedness.” That is so symbolic of how most people feel (on a daily basis). We just feel inadequate, as if we’re missing something, don’t we? But that’s because we haven’t embraced the clothing God has given us in this life until we get our permanent, glorified clothing.
I’m talking about righteousness.
The Psalmist said, “I am filled with joy and my soul vibrates with exuberant hope, because of the Eternal my God; For He has dressed me with he garment of salvation, wrapped me with the robe of righteousness. It’s as though I’m dressed for my wedding day, in the very best: a bridegroom’s garland and a bride’s jewels” (Isaiah 61:10, TVT). Without Christ, we are definitely naked (spiritually speaking). But God “orchestrated this: the Anointed One, who had never experienced sin, because sin for us so that in Him we might embody (I’ll emphasis the word wear) the very righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21, TVT).
Current nakedness. I shake my head just thinking about it. I’m saddened to think of those who are wandering this world in that condition. And I’m saddened to think of Christians, God’s own children, who have been clothed with this wonderful gift but who have no idea of it’s true protection, beauty, or strength.
I hope you’ll embrace your new duds– whether you’ve been born-again a long time or not, God lays out a new set of covering for you every morning.
