ODJ: what we wear
October 23, 2009
READ: Revelation 19:6-13
“She has been given the finest of pure white linen to wear.” For the fine linen represents the good deeds of God’s holy people (v.8).
I once knew a guy who liked to say, “The clothes make the man.” He dressed impeccably and enjoyed strutting into meetings in his fine-tailored trappings. Sadly, his personal and professional life later unraveled—revealing a very tattered and torn character within.
In Revelation 19, we see two drastically different styles of dress. In preparation for the wedding of the Lamb, where the church is united with Jesus her Savior, she is wearing “the finest of pure white linen” (v.8). The writer of Revelation, John, explains that the pure white dress “represents the good deeds of God’s holy people.” By God’s grace, we—the church—will one day be adorned in clothing that has been “woven” by the deeds we have done for Jesus. The importance of living holy and righteous lives for Him now is vividly seen in this vision given to John.
Jesus, unlike the white of His bride, the church, is seen wearing a piece of clothing that has been “dipped in blood” (v.13). His crimson covering shows that Jesus is the great destroyer of Babylon (ch.18), and the One whose fury will be unleashed on all the enemies of God (19:11-21). This awesome view of Jesus’ wrath is reflected in Isaiah 63:1-6, where the Lord is again adorned in crimson (v.2). He tramples His enemies “as if they were grapes” (v.3).
God’s holy wrath is also righteous. He is “named Faithful and True, for He judges fairly” (Revelation 19:11). We are not to be the judge or avenger, only God is (v.2). Our human wrath does not reflect His righteous version (Romans 12:19).
So let’s leave revenge and final judgment to Him and let our “good deeds shine out for all to see” (Matthew 5:16). Those works produce the “material” that truly make the man and woman of God. —Tom Felten
How have you been trying to wear the crimson robe by seeking revenge? What good deeds will you do today as you reveal God’s grace working within you?
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Loading ...ODB: close on His heels
October 23, 2009
READ: Matthew 4:18-25
Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. —Matthew 4:19
Stan and Jennifer were speaking at a mission conference in Marion, North Carolina, after their first term of service on the field.
Jennifer told of a Bible study she had held with one woman. The two were discussing Matthew 4:19, and the woman told Jennifer about a word in her native language, which means follow. She said, “It is the word for following closely, not at a distance.”
To illustrate, Jennifer held up slippers used by the native women, showing one far behind the other. Then she moved one slipper right up against the back of the other one, and said that the word means “to follow right on one’s heels.” It suggests that we are to follow Jesus as closely as possible.
Later, when Jennifer was reading over the journal she had been keeping, she was surprised to see that she had often questioned, “Is Jesus enough?” She had been working her way through culture shock, loneliness, illness, and childlessness. At times she had felt far from Christ. But when through prayer and faith she had drawn as close to Him as she could, walking “right on His heels,” He had calmed her soul, restored her strength, and given her peace.
Are you feeling far from the Lord—empty, weak, and afraid? It’s time to follow close on His heels. — David C. Egner
The closer we walk with God, the clearer we see His guidance.
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