A Day-by-day devotional

March 13, 2023

Naked

Chronological One Year Bible Reading Plan: Deuteronomy 7-10

Scripture of the Day: Genesis 9:20-27

In our time and day, films, mass media and whatever else we could read and watch no longer hold to the virtue of modesty. Nudity and nakedness are not anymore uncommon. People have been so used to it that reading the story of Noah and his sons would result to confusion.

Why was the occasion where Noah‘s son Ham saw him naked such a big issue back then that it even led to Ham, and eventually his son Canaan, receiving a curse? Besides, they were members of the same family, so why did a simple matter lead to such an ending?

Noah may have been at fault, due to his unbecoming behavior and drunkenness. Nonetheless, as their father, respect is still due him. Since modesty was a virtue that is esteemed and preserved in those days, Ham looking at his father’s nakedness, and afterwards even telling his brothers about it, is considered a transgression. For instead of thinking about his father’s reputation and protecting it, Ham exposed it and mocked his father. Meanwhile, even though their brother invited them to do the same, Ham‘s brothers Shem and Japheth did the opposite. They made sure to protect their father’s reputation, covering his nakedness, and even going to lengths, of them not seeing him in that state by walking backwards.

These days, it is not unusual for people to expose someone’s naked state – be it people in our own family, friends, or even those distant to us. When we see someone’s fault, we easily jump at the opportunity of exposing their nakedness even more. They might have already succumbed to folly and probably sin, but instead of helping them correct their mistake, like what Shem and Japheth did, we spread gossip and rumors, exposing them all the more.

Our society is already filled with evil ways. We are accountable to one another. Exposing one another’s nakedness, instead of helping each other rectify sin and ask God for forgiveness, wouldn’t help. It would only lead to more chaos, and like Ham, the withholding of a blessing.

Reflection: How do you react when you hear a gossip or rumor about someone? Do you join in on the fad? Or help the person back to the correct path?

Prayer: Dear Lord, give me a heart that seeks to protect the vulnerability of others. Help me feel sorrow in their plight. Amen.