Put On

I will rejoice greatly in the LORD,
My soul will exult in my God;
For He has clothed me with garments of salvation,
He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness,
As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,
And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Isaiah 61:10, New American Standard Bible (NASB)

I must confess that for a long time I was dressed in my own righteousness…I was raised in a church, faithfully attended Sunday services, fellowship dinners, youth group, Sunday school…I volunteered and gave tithes like I thought I should.

But striving to be a “good Christian” never seemed to be enough. I had packed my calendar so full of things to do for God because it was “the right thing to do”.  I wanted to measure up in God’s eyes.

God was saying to come to His wedding banquet, and I felt like I didn’t have a thing to wear! I kept trying to piece together something, but there was always a spot, a crooked hem, a lost button. I was striving to be holy, and only ended up feeling like anyone could see right through me.

Then I heard Isaiah 64:6 and realized I never could be covered in my self-righteousness… all our righteous deeds are like a filthy garment;…

Much like Lazarus, I could hear my name being called to come forth—even when I thought I was already “there”. (You did not choose me, I chose you...John 15:16a) I was dead in my trespasses…my hands were tied with busyness, my walk was hobbled with wrappings of my own making. Self-righteousness can be such a sneaky trap. I didn’t realize I was a walking dead…a self-righteous zombie!

If you remember, when Lazarus came forth, he was still wrapped in grave clothes …that’s why Jesus told the others… “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.” (John 11:44) I needed that freedom…

So if I am called out of death to life, what does one wear?  Romans 13:14 says to “clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ”. How do you do that?

In all my church life I had never heard about accepting Christ and making Him Lord of my life. Where was I during that sermon? Probably busy judging someone else’s righteousness in the next pew. I was reluctant at first…that’s too easy! It’s a gift? I don’t have to do anything to earn it? I just have to admit I am a sinner, accept His sacrifice and that’s it?

So I did…and I could feel the weight of righteous works drop off my shoulders. I left my filthy zombie rags in that cave of self-righteousness and put on Christ.

God sees Christ’s righteousness standing here, because I am covered by Christ. Now I can truly say:

I will rejoice greatly in the LORD,
My soul will exult in my God;
For He has clothed me with garments of salvation,
He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness,
As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland,
And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Isaiah 61:10, New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Now the things I do are done not to make brownie points but because I am greatful for His Grace. I continue to grow with prayer, study and action.

How about you? What have you put on today?