ISAIAH 61:10

I am overwhelmed with joy in the Lord my God! For he has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness.

I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels.

TO PONDER

They say diamonds are a girl's best friend and this verse seems to suggest there is something to that saying. There is something about getting dressed up, putting on your best clothes and going out into the world.

This verse specifically talks about dressing for a wedding. I remember the day I married my lovely wife. I had a casual job at Myer at the time, as we were both just finishing our teaching degrees. I worked in the menswear department and had helped to size and fit a number of wedding parties who had hired their suits from the formal hire company that leased a space on the Myer menswear floor. I remember the buzz of excitement as the group of mates would come in, point out which one of them was getting married and then, as Australians tend to do, start making all sorts of jokes at his expense to communicate their affection for him. I remember even more specifically when it was me turning up with my mates.

I had never felt so proud, happy, excited or terrified to be standing in the church that Saturday afternoon in the fancy suit that had been given to me for that special day. (I imagine it is the same for brides in their wedding dresses).

That feeling (for those of you who have experienced it) is something like what I think we should feel when we remember that we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ. The only difference being that it is not just for a special occasion. Jesus wants us to be clothed in his righteousness, every day. Jesus wants to send us out as the best dressed people in all the Land because he wants people to see how much he loves us, to know how much he has done for us, and to see what a difference he makes in our lives.

We should be dressed like that every day, full of the same kind of joy and pride a bride or groom takes on their wedding day,' dressed to the nines'. That's the kind of joy Jesus wants us to have everyday.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, sometimes it is hard not to feel like I am wearing anything but dirty rags. Please help me to be aware of your righteousness and salvation which you give me to wear each day. Help me not to leave the house without being conscious of the fact that you have clothed me in everything I need to face the day with Joy and confidence. Amen

Today's devotion written by Mathew von Stanke, LifeWay Newcastle.