This multi-part series was originally published in 2008 by Alea under a strong urgency to point people, even His church, to Him and Him alone in the ever increasing times that further “fill, distort and distract” us from the only Source of Hope, Help and Salvation, Jesus Christ. He is coming soon and we need to be ready and prepared…
Father God, please open our eyes and ears, soften our hearts and minds, change and help us to choose wisely, to know Your ways and live them. In Jesus Name, Amen.
Clothing
Just the Facts
Clothing is certainly important for survival. Whether we are in a cold or hot climate adequate protective clothing is needed against sun, weather and other environmental damage.
Many different fabrics are used in making clothing but wool is considered the preferred clothing material for any climate. Leather, animal skins, was used in making the first clothes. Leather is easy to care for and comfortable becoming more supple and lustrous with age. It breathes adding comfort by feeling warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It actually adjusts to our body’s temperature. It’s the most durable of all fabric as it resists tears, punctures, stains and abrasion as well as retains its shape not showing wear like other fabrics.
In cold weather we must maximize our bodies warmth by keeping our heads covered. We can lose 40 percent to 45 percent of body heat from an unprotected head and even more from the unprotected neck, wrists and ankles. These areas of the body are good radiators of heat and have very little insulating fat. "If your feet are cold, put a hat on" is a very old and true statement. The body will rob peripheral blood supply to keep the brain at a constant temperature thereby allowing the hands and feet to go cold (or even freeze) and then the extremities. Hats, gloves, boots, bandanas, socks, pants, shorts, coats, undergarments and shirts are all important to keep the body protected.
There are four basic principles to follow to keep warm. An easy way to remember these basic principles is to use the word "COLD" –
C - Keep clothing clean.
O - Avoid overheating.
L - Wear clothes loose and in layers.
D - Keep clothing dry.
Revealed in the Source
Clothing is considered important within the “fabric” of creation. Every creature’s been given skin “clothes” for their body’s protection against the elements. God made humanity this way as well. We were intended to be in a perfect climate and environment a place God created called the Garden of Eden. This is where God created the first man, Adam, and woman, Eve. They were in a perfect habitation, naked and completely innocent walking with God clothed in His Light. But they sinned in the Garden believing the lies of Satan and eating, against God’s will, of the tree of good and evil. When they allowed themselves to sin they became aware of their nakedness and were ashamed and hid from God. God knew this and began to search for them. They had come out from under His protective covering as their provider, protector and source by believing God was not sufficient and that they didn’t need Him. They were now completely exposed. For the sake of keeping this short, God had to judge the sin that was done against Him by the both of them and Satan; this can be read in Genesis 3. All of creation was going to suffer because of this. Being all-knowing, God knew this would happen and had already set into motion His redemptive promise for all of His creation. Before He drove Adam and Eve from the garden He shed the first blood making clothing from animal skins to cover them in Genesis 3:21, “Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them”. In this God revealed a glimpse of His plan and exposed our need of remission and covering from sin through the shedding of blood, a price so high and pure that no creature could eternally pay. This price is one only He could satisfy with Himself as the sacrifice through His Son Jesus Christ. God made the first sacrifice and provided the Lasting Sacrifice. When we believe and know Him as our only source, He then lovingly covers us. From the beginning, the promise of the Messiah, Savior, Redeemer, Eternal Perfect Sacrifice, the One who would cover us with Himself, was etched into time.
In the next few passages we learn God’s provision by clothing us: Physically in Deuteronomy 10:17-18, “For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward: He doth execute judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.” Emotionally and mentally as written in Psalm 30:11-12, “Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; to the end that my glory may sing praise to Thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto Thee forever.” Spiritually for those that believe and obey Him, the Messiah will clothe beautifully in Isaiah 61:10, “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He hath clothed me with the garments of Salvation, He hath covered me with the Robe of Righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.” Jesus, the Messiah, the Lamb of God, shed His blood redeeming us from sin and it’s power as prophesied by the prophets and by John the Baptist in John 1:29 when he saw Jesus coming toward him, "Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the World!”
In Ephesians 6:10-18 , the Bible reveals protective clothing provided against the kingdom of darkness and the devil, “Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole Armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with Truth, and having on the Breastplate of Righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of Peace; Above all, taking the Shield of Faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the Helmet of Salvation, and the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” Wow, we need to notice all of the articles are attributes of God Himself. We clothe ourselves in Him and the various expressions of who He is. That’s powerful. It’s also vital to recognize that if we can put it on we can take it off. When we choose to sin we take off what He has so generously provided. That’s why it’s imperative that we be alert and in prayer. Jesus warned of this too in Revelation 16:15, “Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” It is clear that God wants us covered up and vigilant. Through Jesus’ sacrifice and shed blood, God provided the way for us to not just have clothes but to have completely pure and clean clothes. Isaiah 1:18, “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: Though your sins be like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Revelation 22:14, “Blessed are they that do His Commandments, that they may have the right to the Tree of Life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” Would you like to be clothed by God?
Let’s Ask Him
Father God, You’ve spared nothing to care for me. Jesus, You are the Messiah the Lamb of God. You shed Your blood for me. Please cleanse me of my sins and clothe me. Holy Spirit eliminate all shame and nakedness. Take the garments off me that are not in accordance with God’s Spirit and will. Please redress me in every area and protect me from anyone or anything that may try to strip me of Your covering and blessings. Teach me to walk with You, to pray and be watchful. Help me not remove the clothing You’ve provided so that I may stand firm against all strategies of the devil. I’m so thankful that You lovingly wrap me in You, in Jesus name. Amen.
Until next time...
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