May 1 Kingdom Clothes

Luke 12:27-28 “Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!”
 
WE left Jesus’ kingdom teachings in February to consider more closely John’s gospel regarding Jesus’ death and resurrection through the Lenten season. I pray that God used those words of Jesus to his disciples to form in your heart a deeper faith. My hope is you trust and believe in the power of Jesus’ resurrection for your daily life. Your Lord is alive! No earthly opposition will separate you from God’s love and power when you keep your heart connected to Jesus’ heart.
    This is certainly an underlying theme of Jesus’ entire ministry. We see this heart relationship a bit differently in these next verses from Luke 12:27-59. Today, Jesus’ teaching is about your clothes.
    This is an appropriate topic for our home. People have brought to our home many bags filled with clothes. These once favored clothes have been given to our ministry. We will sell these clothes May 6 to raise funds to help us Teach Pastors and Feed Orphans in Africa. In other words, these material clothes will prayerfully be transformed into “daily bread” for hungry children and the eternal “Bread of Life” to those who hunger for God’s gospel.
    Our Lord’s question, “How much more will he clothe you?” is Jesus’ assurance the Father will care for your physical needs – not wants, but needs. More importantly, the Lord wants you to receive his eternal clothes. This has always been God’s way. Note the Father’s first act of grace in response to Adam and Eve’s sin. He physically clothed them to cover their suddenly shameful nakedness. Genesis 3:21 The Lord God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife and clothed them. This is God’s love.
    Thus, Jesus’ gracious words here are to first assure you God will care for your physical life. Look to Scripture, and you will see God blesses those who obey him – not with wealth, but with their basic life needs. Trust God for your physical clothes.
    Second, Jesus’ words are for your eternal life. The apostle Paul describes this in Galatians 3:27 for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. Your heavenly Father came to his own in the Garden of Eden. He comes to you now - even in your sin and shame to say, “I love you. Turn from the world and turn to me. Be clothed in my truth. Wear my righteous and know by blessing.” 
    Do worry, shame and fear tear your faith clothes? Mend the tears with the tattered clothes with Christ’s love, life, resurrection and ascension to Heaven. Have faith your Lord’s truth will always be exactly what you need.
 
Prayer: Praise the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, you are very great; you are clothed with splendor and majesty. (Ps 104:1) Amen.