evelation 16: 15 Behold, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who stays awake and keeps his garments, lest he walk about naked and men see his shame. --NASB
In the name of the One Who warns us to keep our garments, amen.
Have you ever gone somewhere and been overdressed or underdressed? It is one of life's most awkward experiences. It is a fear that is so common, it has been used as the plot in many situation comedies. It has also been the topic of letters to "Dear Abby," and the like. We do not like to stand out in the crowd because we were foolish enough to dress in an inappropriate manner.
Our passage for today tells us that we are blessed if we are dressed and ready when Christ Jesus returns. We are blessed if we are ready because people will not see our shame. The clothing that Jesus speaks of is His righteousness that covers us when we are baptized. Christ's righteousness covers the naked truth of our sinfulness so that no one, especially the Father, sees it. But some people do not keep the clothes that Christ gives them, that is--they lose their faith.
Think of how embarrassing it will be for them. The naked truth of all the bad things they've done in life will be seen by all. What is worse, is that many people tell others that they have a beautiful set of new clothes, when they are as naked as the Emperor in "The Emperor's New Clothes."
But it is not that way for the repentant Christian. The repentant Christian has just the right clothes for the situation. Each day those clothes are washed clean in repentance and forgiveness as he remembers his baptism. Those clothes cover his naked sins; they hide his shame and he is blessed. May you be blessed when our Savior returns because you have the clothes that He gave to you. Amen.
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank You for covering our shame with the garments of Your righteousness. Help us by Your Holy Spirit to keep those clothes so that we may be blessed when You return, and not shamefully exposed. We ask because of Your great mercy, amen.