A Robe Like No Other

     After many years of absence from singing, I put on a choir robe again two years ago.  I really do not know why I had not volunteered for this ministry sooner, but I believe it has to do with timing...God's timing.  All I know for certain is that putting on that robe reminded me that I am a servant of Christ whose call is to help lead in meaningful worship in song.  Don't get me wrong.  The robe is not magic.  However, it does symbolize something much deeper in the lives of all believers; for we know that when we came to Jesus Christ, He took our filthy rags of sin and gave to us a robe of righteousness in exchange.
     Isaiah foretells the time when God will supply His people with a robe of righteousness (61:10):  I

will greatly rejoice in the LORD; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."  The garments which God covers us in will never rot, tear or be destroyed by the enemy.  His provision is perfect, so what should our response be?
     First, we need to rejoice in God our salvation.  He sent His perfect Son who knew no sin to become sin for us and take our punishment.  It was His blood that washed away our sin and cleansed us.  Putting on that robe of righteousness is a cause to celebrate and rejoice daily because when God looks at us, He sees Jesus.
     Secondly, when we wear the robe of righteousness, we are called to be servants for the sake of His glory.  What a privilege it is to be adopted into the family of God!  Therefore, out of a heart of gratitude, we must follow Paul's admonition to "not think more highly" of ourselves than we ought to for we have been bought with a price (Romans 12:3).  Our purpose in this life should be to love God with all our heart, soul and mind and to serve others even as Christ did.
      Not only are we called to rejoice in what God has done and to serve others, but we are also to treat with respect and take care of the "robe of righteousness" which the Lord has given us.  I think most of us can remember as children how our mothers would remind us not to mess up a new outfit.  We were warned with consequences if we did not follow orders.  The same is true with the robe of righteousness.  Our conduct will either dirty that robe or bring glory to God, and whether we like it or not, there are people watching to see what we will do.  Will our walk match our talk?
     Finally, are we willing to tell others how they can also obtain a robe of righteousness?  We have a painful, hurting world robed in filthy rages.  Those without Christ will spend eternity separated from Him, and God has called us to be His witnesses even unto the ends of the earth.  As we visit the sick, comfort those who are grieving, encourage the young and old, we are fulfilling the Lord's call to serve  and love one another.  This is not an easy walk, but it is a fulfilling one.
     Perhaps none of us has really stopped to think that the King of glory has clothed us with His royal robe of righteousness.  With this privilege, comes the joy of living for Him each day.  Today, let us begin looking for ways to honor and glorify the Lord.  His blood has made possible our new wardrobe, and such a cost demands our humility, obedience and holy living.  Selah!