Monday, March 10, 2014
1 John 1:7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.
CLOTHED WITH CHRIST
It happened over 20 years ago, but I still vividly remember an opportunity lost. I had been sweating outside all day in the summer heat. By early evening I was ready to quit, but before cleaning up I made a quick run to the grocery store. Heading for the checkout I saw a familiar face, my favorite anchor person from a local TV station. I was all set to introduce myself and shake her hand, when I thought of how filthy I must look, and decided against it.
If we have to shower and clean up before going out in public and meeting people, how can we be ready to face the holy God? Everybody knows that eventually that day will come, for God has placed the knowledge of Himself in every human being. Paul writes: "They show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them" (Romans 2:15).
Conscience accuses everyone of not being dressed well enough to meet God. "All our righteous acts are like filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6). So some hold back and hope that God won't notice them or that somehow everything will work out. They don't read the Bible because it only reminds them of their guilt. They may attend church once in a while, but don't want to get too involved for fear of hearing about sin and punishment. Others take it upon themselves to improve their lives in order to be deemed acceptable by God. But that can only end in disaster, for "no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law" (Romans 3:20).
We are sinners. We deserve nothing but eternal death in hell. God is holy and cannot tolerate sin. Yet, I pray that each of us looks forward to meeting God and hearing His voice in the Word, for He doesn't stop with His condemnation of sin. He invites every sinner to come to Him just as we are, in order that He may clothe us in the spotless white robe of Jesus' righteousness. He doesn't call us to make ourselves good enough for Him. He has done it all for us. His Son was perfect for us. His Son washed us clean in His holy blood shed on the cross.
Jesus, Thy blood and righteousness
My beauty are, my glorious dress;
Midst flaming worlds, in these arrayed,
With joy shall I lift up my head.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 371:1)
