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I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being 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 with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its shoots,and as a garden causes what is sown in it to spring up,so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest,until her vindication shines out like the dawn, and her salvation like a burning torch. The nations shall see your vindication, and all the kings your glory;and you shall be called by a new name that the mouth of the Lord will give. You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. (Isaiah 61:10-62:3)
Dress for a prophet seemed not to be the most important part of their being. The dress of the prophet John the Baptist was almost ridiculed for he was dressed in camel's hair with a leather belt around his waist. Yet, Isaiah as he writes today's passage speaks of "the garments of salvation," and "the robe of righteousness" and even "as a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels." In other words, he believed it was important to know about God's grace and dress spiritually with that attitude of gratitude and goodness, to show the world that God's presence in our lives makes a difference. The physical clothing does not necessarily matter, but how we present ourselves, our words, actions, and how we interact with people should give them a clue about Who we belong to. Through my many years of ministry I have known those who dress with the above garments and have given glory to God because of how they blessed God and God's people.
This was years before the arrival of Christ, yet Isaiah knew He was coming. His arrival, his life and ministry would change everything, among the changes, righteousness and praise would be evident, and all who saw Israel would give honor and glory to God. And they have, and this continues even today. Even a "new name" has been given to believers, Christian, "Little Christ's." Is this true for you?
PRAYER: Loving God, make true that we are dressed with all that we need to give honor and glory to You. Let our lips bring forth Your praise and our actions righteousness. Help us to share and give; help us to build up and grow all things Yours. This we pray in Christ Jesus' precious and powerful name, amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Dress for spiritual success!
Eradio Valverde
Prayer Update: I thank you for your prayers. Konnor Dominic Lester was born yesterday morning at 7:27 a.m., weighing in at 7 lbs, and 19 inches length. Baby and Mom, Dad and big sister were doing great. We give thanks to God for Konnor's arrival and we pray healing for Mom as she recovers from her C-section.
