The Garment Of Salvation

Isaiah 61:10-62:3; KJV, Old Testament reading for this Sunday the 1st Sunday after Christmas; Clothed in the righteousness of Christ.

He Has Saved Us And Clothed Us With Righteousness

Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; KJV; What good tidings. He has saved us and clothed us with His righteousness!

He Alone Brings Forth All Things

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.

For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations. 

                                                                                        (Isa 61:10-11 KJV)

It is God alone who created the plants of the earth. The garden grow. The flowers bloom. It is He alone who causes them to bring forth the fruit of their seed. So it is He who will cause us to rejoice as righteousness not just survives but thrives for the world to see. 

Rejoice in the Lord who gives us all good things. Praise Him who saves us!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Good Works Don't Fool God

And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead.

Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God.

Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. If therefore thou shalt not watch, I will come on thee as a thief, and thou shalt not know what hour I will come upon thee.

Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy.

He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.
                                                                                  (Rev 3:1-5 KJV)

Sometimes we can seem so faithful to the world outside because of all our good works. But, to the angel of the church in Sardis, Jesus says, "I know your deeds; you have a reputation of being alive, but your are dead." (vs 1) Wake up and repent! Walk with Jesus, dressed in the white robes of his righteousness.

May we always remember that our good works might fool some of the people; but, they can never fool God. We are saved by faith alone in Christ alone.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Clothed In Good Things

As God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience." Col 3:12 NRSV

We were not created to be doormats. We were not created to be stepped on by others or have our faith shut down because others hate the truth. We are; after all, God's chosen and beloved ones. We are to stand firmly on the truth, which is the Word of God. Jesus, and in the end those first disciples, did not back down from the truth. They stood firmly on God's Word and on His promises. Yes, they were persecuted. But, that did not keeping them from standing tall and speaking the truth with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. They bowed to no one except God.

Just as we were not created to be anyone's doormat; neither were we created to be bullies asserting our rights over the rights of others. Paul encourages the Colossians to treat one another with compassion and kindness. We are to try to have empathy for others; to attempt to "walk a mile in the shoes of others." We are to listen to all sides with humility; humbling ourselves so that we do not put our needs over the needs of others, and with empathy so that we can act with compassion and kindness to those who are suffering.

May God reconcile us to Himself and to one another, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen

God's Peace - Pr. J