"Getting Dressed"
Nov. 27, 2019
Besides this you know the time, that the hour has come for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed. The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Let us walk properly as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and sensuality, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
—Romans 13:11-14 (ESV)
It was always interesting when an earthquake struck during the night while I was growing up in Southern California. We all knew the drill: get up and out of bed as quickly as you can, and run outside to stand in the street, away from any trees or buildings that could fall on us. We would sometimes stand there for quite a long time, chatting with the neighbors while we waited for the aftershocks to stop.
It was quite a fashion parade out there in the street! On earthquake nights, you discovered who secretly wore Eeyore pajamas to bed, and who slept in a long T-shirt; you found out who had been awake late, because they came down perfectly dressed. But woe to those who slept in the nude or nearly so! They would be lucky if they could grab a bathrobe on the way to the street. A 6.0 earthquake is no time to be looking for your clothes in a swaying house.
Paul reminds us how important it is for us to be properly dressed all the time, spiritually speaking. "The night is far gone," he says. "The day is at hand. Let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. ... Put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires."
If you knew an earthquake was coming, wouldn't you be dressed and ready to go? Of course, you would. We do know that the Lord Jesus is coming, and He will bring something better than an earthquake—He will bring sudden sharp daylight to our whole world of darkness. He will bring judgment, and all evil will be exposed for what it really is.
This is something for Christians to hope for—to be happy about, to look forward to—but we must be properly dressed. No one wants to be caught naked on that day. "Put on the Lord Jesus Christ," Paul says. If you trust in Him to forgive and save you, Jesus Himself will be your dress and your armor. He will cover your sins and failures, everything you are embarrassed about, and give you His holiness, goodness, and protection.
Jesus will not put you to shame. He suffered for you and died for you—and He rose from the dead for you, too, so that you will never have to die eternally. With a love like that, there is no need to worry that He intends to embarrass you at His coming. No, you are dear to Him, and He has promised to dress you—with Himself.
What better outfit could you have?
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, wash my sins and failures away, and dress me in Yourself. Then I will reflect Your goodness and holiness. Amen.
Reflection Questions:
- What are the silliest pajamas or sleep clothes you have ever seen?
- Have you ever been embarrassed about something you were wearing? If you are willing, tell the story.
- What does it mean to you, that Jesus will make Himself to be your covering?
This Daily Devotion was written by Dr. Kari Vo. Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin! Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).
What are the silliest pajamas or sleep clothes you have ever seen?
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