Galatians 3: 26, 27 You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. --NIV
In the name of Christ, amen.
I have a shirt that I like very much. It is about ten years old now, and made of silk. But it doesn't look like a silk shirt. It has a pattern that is very pleasing, and the colors make it look fresh and cool. Whenever I wear that shirt I feel content, so I like to wear it when I travel. But even though it looks brand new, the cloth is getting weak, and it finally tore one day. My mother-in-law sewed it for me, and I still wear it. It is an old friend that gives me much comfort.
Yesterday we saw that Jesus comes to us in His word. Today we see that He comes in Baptism also. He comes to us in Holy Baptism giving us the gift of Faith. Strangely enough, Saint Paul speaks of Baptism as being clothed with Christ. That is a comforting fact, because being clothed with Christ means that God does not see our sins. He sees only the pleasing righteousness of Christ Jesus. All the dirt of our little daily sins is covered by Christ who was torn on the cross. The body odor of our rebellious nature is hidden by Christ who rose fresh from the grave.
How nice to have our friend with us at all times. How comforting to know that we always look good to God because we are clothed with Christ in Baptism. May you be content because Christ Jesus came to you in Baptism and covered you. Amen.
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for covering us with Yourself. Thank Your for hiding our sins so that we appear righteous before the Father. Blessed is Your name in all the earth for the great work of salvation! amen.
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