Beautiful Garments
Today’s Verse:
Awake, awake; put on thy strength, O Zion; put on thy beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: ~Isaiah 52:1
When I am at home, I like to change into clothing that is comfortable for work, exercise, or lounging around the house. However, when Sunday comes, I like to wear my “Sunday best.” This will include a pressed white shirt, a pressed dark suit, a neck tie, and black, shined shoes. I think this would qualify for what is referred to as “beautiful garments.”
There are the garments of redemption.
“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation” (Isaiah 61:10a). The unsaved sinner is pictured as wearing rags and clothing that is filthy and dirty. This pictures the sinful life that we live. However, when the sinner repents of his sin and by faith takes Jesus as Saviour, the Lord takes away the old garments of sin, and clothes us in beautiful garments of salvation. These garments picture a life that is saved, cleansed, forgiven, and given a new start. Garments of salvation represent a life that has been changed and is in Jesus Christ.
There are the garments of righteousness.
“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.” God wants us to look our best after we are saved! In Ephesians 4:22-32, Paul describes our “dress for success.” First, we are to put off the old man. Put aside the old habits of sin, just like we take off dirty clothes. Second, we must put away lying. The people during Paul’s day had no problem with lying. Paul said that we must put away lying and speak truth with one another. We must also stop stealing, manipulating, or taking advantage of others. Third, we must put on the garments of the new man, which are in holiness and righteousness. Paul describes the spirit and attitude in which we must practice our faith. The garments of righteousness include a Spirit-controlled disposition free from bitterness, and having forgiveness, kindness, wholesome words, and a good attitude.
There are the garments of radiance.
“The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying. But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof” (Romans 13:12-14). We are in a spiritual battle against the devil, the flesh, and the world. We are commanded to put on the armor of light and to put on the Lord Jesus. First, let us be dressed for war! You wear armor to protect yourself from the enemy. Our armor is called “armour of light.” We must shine brightly as both an offense and a defense for the Lord. We do not participate in unfruitful works of darkness. We put on the Lord Jesus Christ so that it is known that we are “wearing Jesus” in what we say and do.
All of these garments are gifts from God. Each of them is beautiful because it distinguishes us from the world and indicates the power of Christ in our life. Reach into your heavenly closet and take out the beautiful garments that need to be worn.
Have a well-attired God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: 1 Chronicles 3-5