I delight greatly in the Lord;
my soul rejoices in my God.
For he has clothed me with garments of salvation
and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness,
as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Isaiah 61:10 NIV
Garments of Salvation
When we think back on the life of Queen Elizabeth, we remember the variety of clothing styles that marked her life. One of the most interesting was something she wore when she visited Canada as a young princess in 1951. On October 11 of that year, she took part in an old-fashioned square dance at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, where she wore a country dress featuring a gingham top and plain skirt decorated in branches, figures and hearts.
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The clothes we wear represent what we are doing. If you’re working in your garden, you are wearing clothing that looks far different than when you are attending a wedding or going to a formal event. Even in a much more casual day, we recognize that we are to dress accordingly – no matter what social media says about shopping at Walmart! The Bible speaks to this, regarding how Christians should clothe ourselves spiritually to portray Jesus to those around us. In Isaiah 61:10 we read, “I delight greatly in the Lord; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” What does it mean to be clothed in the garments of salvation? Our sins are forgiven, so we are clothed in joy and gratitude. Eternity is guaranteed, so hope marks our lives. All our needs will be provided, so we wear the clothes of spiritual abundance. Take time today to ensure others see you wearing your garments of salvation.
These have been words from the heart.
Bob Beasley