What can we learn from Isaiah's obedience to God's unusual command in Isaiah 20? Setting the Scene “In the year that the commander came to Ashdod, when Sargon king of Assyria sent him, and he fought against Ashdod and captured it” (Isaiah 20:1). The Assyrian threat loomed. Judah’s leaders were tempted to seek security in an alliance with Egypt and Cush. Into that charged moment, God gave Isaiah a startling assignment. The Unusual Command “Go, loosen the sackcloth from your waist and remove the sandals from your feet.” So Isaiah walked “naked and barefoot for three years as a sign and omen against Egypt and Cush” (Isaiah 20:2-3). Literal, historical, and deliberate—meant to picture the coming humiliation of those nations when Assyria stripped them and led them captive. Isaiah’s Obedience on Display • Immediate—no recorded hesitation or argument • Costly—loss of dignity, reputation, comfort • Sustained—three full years, not a momentary gesture • Prophetic—his life became God’s living sermon What We Learn • God may issue commands that defy human logic. – Noah building an ark (Genesis 6:13-22) – Hosea marrying Gomer (Hosea 1:2-3) • True obedience values God’s word above personal image. – “Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings… as in obeying the voice of the LORD?” (1 Samuel 15:22) • Humility precedes usefulness. Isaiah was willing to be thought foolish so God could speak clearly (1 Corinthians 4:10). • Faith rests in God’s larger plan when we can’t see the outcome. Abraham on Moriah models the same trust (Genesis 22:1-14). • Prophetic actions reinforce prophetic words; a lived-out message has undeniable weight (James 1:22). Living the Lesson Today • Measure every decision by Scripture, not social approval. • Expect obedience to carry a cost; count it joy when it advances God’s purpose (Acts 5:41). • Let God define success; visible results may be delayed, but faithfulness is never wasted (Hebrews 11:13, 39-40). • Stand as a signpost: our lives, priorities, and sacrifices should point others to the truth of coming judgment and redemption. Supporting Verses • Isaiah 50:5-7 – The Servant’s resolute obedience foreshadows Christ’s willingness to endure shame. • Philippians 2:5-8 – Jesus “emptied Himself,” showing the supreme pattern of humble obedience. • 2 Timothy 1:8 – “Do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord… but join me in suffering for the gospel.” Isaiah’s bare-footed faith still speaks: when God commands, trust Him enough to obey—even when obedience looks unusual. |
    |