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Isaiah 61:10 – 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 righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. (NIV)
Many years ago, when I attended the 428 Gospel Club on Wednesday nights in Glasgow, Scotland, several regular participants used to sing their own personal testimony songs. Iain, who ended up being the best man at my wedding, would sing "Supper time". Gwen would sing "I know who holds tomorrow". Dawn beautifully sang "Burdens are lifted at Calvary". I usually sang "Try a little kindness".
There was also a guy called Stewart who sang a song called "Robe of righteousness," which was based on today's Scripture. I can't remember all of the words, but the last line of the refrain went something like:
"When God looks at me He sees not what I used to be, but He sees Jesus."
The song was about Christ covering each of us with His robe of righteousness and sacrificial blood, so that we could stand in God's holy presence. Instead of being cast away forever as recalcitrant sinners, we are accepted as redeemed servants through Jesus. Whatever sins we've committed in the past, stay there. Whatever regrets we have or mistakes we have made do not define us forever. Christ sanctifies us, or makes us holy again in God's sight, through His own sacrifice. We are covered and cleansed by His blood. We are made brothers and sisters to Him by His blood. We are welcomed as heirs to God's kingdom, with His blood over us and in us.
This is what it means to be a Christian. We are accepted by God when we admit our sins and seek Christ as our Saviour. His robe of righteousness covers our past and completely shields us from God's wrath so that, in the words of the song, "When God looks at me He sees not what I used to be, but He sees Jesus."
Perhaps you are worried about a past mistake. Maybe you still feel shame over some personal sin. Or guilt and anxiety may still be wounding your soul. Christ can cancel those wounds and wrongs. He can make all things new and let you begin again. All you have to do is sincerely ask Him for forgiveness.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, sometimes the guilt of the past wearies our souls and overwhelms our spirits. Sometimes we feel that we have let You down considerably. Touch our hearts with Your mercy and grace. Redeem us from the past, and relieve us from worries. Cover us with Your robe of righteousness, and bring us before God as Your servants. In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.
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Thank you John.
Always a good reminder John, and well said.
Your message touched my heart. We can’t put the toothpaste back in the tube, but you reminded me of the boundless depth & breadth of God’s forgiveness. Sin forgiven & forgotten. Thank you & God bless.
So glad to see your devotional. You have always been one of my favorite contributors. Your devotionals always speak to me. May God continue to bless you as you bless us.
Hi, As always I love your devotions. I googled the song and got a Scottish guy I think singing at least the chorus. What a comforting thought to be covered by his robe of Righteousness. Blessings to you.
Dear John Stuart,
What a truly Gospel (good news) message for all us human beings: “For there is no one righteous, no not one.”
We all who have Jesus Christ’s righteousness stands in Him.
Keep writing.
Good Afternoon Rev. Stuart:
Another beautiful message assuring us once we become children of the King we are indeed clothed in a gown of righteousness that covers our past sins completely.
I loved this devotional, it brought tears to my eyes in that I realize I am truly redeemed – Why, because “Calvary covered it All.”
Thank you so much for all your wonderful and challenging messages over the years.
(PEI)
Yes, John, I have done those things I ought not to have done and set aside those deeds I ought to have done but did nothing. Then I came to realize there was no ‘health’ in me. So many of us have slipped and tripped through life and it can only be God, through Jesus’ requests, who will, in the end, forgive and then accept our souls into His presence. As I watch my dear wife slip away each day upon her hospital bed I know her soul will have a glorious existence forever and ever.
Once again, yes, Isaiah’s description of how the bride and groom dressed 3,000 years ago we note there has been the very little change as we prepare for our wedding days today.
Thanks for today’s Devotion, John, which was so personally directed to all those millions of us.
Dear John;
Thank you for your devotional this morning. God bless you.