What clothes are we wearing?

In the natural, wearing a uniform demonstrates status, or a jurisdiction of movements and actions. Nurses, police, roadside workers, soldiers: all of them have been granted permission to do certain things within their level of jurisdiction. When we see their uniform, it affects our behaviour and determines which actions we can and cannot take. For example, we will allow a nurse (in uniform) to do their job because we recognise they have the skills to do what is necessary for their duties to be carried out. Or when we see roadside workers in their hi-vis jackets, we give them space and allowance to do their work. If they were not in uniform, we would not trust that they were genuine.

Every uniform represents a measure of authority that others will abide by. These uniforms are a physical representation of that which is mirrored in the spiritual.

Let’s think about the parable of the wedding banquet in Matthew 22:1-14. When the king comes to see the guests, he notices a man not wearing wedding clothes. “How did you get in here, friend?” The king asks. The man remains speechless. The king then instructs his servants to: “Tie him hand and foot, and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

You may well have experienced a time where you have attended an occasion that required a dress code: smart casual, formal, business etc. If you are not wearing the correct clothing, you are denied access to the event. Simple as that. But aside from special occasions, what clothes are we wearing?

In the Bible, several scriptures speak of being clothed in righteousness e.g. Isaiah 61 and Ephesians 4. But do we really comprehend what that means?

We cannot see it with our physical eyes, but as believers in Jesus, we are wearing spiritual clothes: a robe of righteousness. This robe is just like a uniform and grants us a level of authority which angels and demons have to adhere to; they see what we are wearing and understand its significance, perhaps more than we do! This is the very authority granted to us by Jesus, Who has overcome sin and death and with Whom we are seated in Heaven at the right hand of God.

“Our Messiah, Jesus is the only clothing we can wear that will stand the test of the judgment of our hearts in eternity.”

Peter Horrobin (founder of Ellel Ministries, UK)

As believers in Jesus, we receive a garment that in ourselves we are not worthy to receive. By our own actions, our sinfulness denies us entry through the gates of Heaven. Yet because of what Jesus did, we are clothed; clothed in righteousness with a Crown of Glory on our heads (Psalm 8). The spiritual clothing we are dressed in not only gains us entry into Heaven, it also gives us authority whilst we are on this earth. The angels and demons see what we are wearing and they have to respond accordingly, just like we do when we see a nurse, police officer etc. They will give us the space and respect our righteous robes demands.

Have you ever noticed how someone walks when they are wearing a crown, be it a king, queen or the winner of a beauty pageant? Their stature and their demeanour are different: they stand tall and assured, knowing that the crown they are wearing grants them a level of supremacy which others do not have. This is then reflected in their attitude, as well as the attitude of those around them. They have an air of authority about them.

Do we realise the level of authority we actually have? Do we realise that it is the same as what Jesus had on earth because we are found in Him? (John14:20) Is this reflected in our attitude and demeanour accordingly? Or because of our own failings, lack of confidence, self-pity, or even our lack of trust in God, our walk is perhaps not as upright as it could be? Our posture does not actually reflect the truth of what we are carrying and we walk around in perpetual defeat rather than accomplished victory.

Recently during a time of worship, I had an encounter with Jesus. As I was delightfully gazing into His face, a huge, weighty royal robe was placed over my shoulders. Next, a crown was put on my head. My initial reaction was: ‘That’s not right! Jesus is the One who should be standing in royal garb, not me!’ I was ready to refuse this undeserved honour. But eventually my mind shifted into acceptance with my spirit, because I realised and accepted, I am in Him and He is in me. Because He is kingly, by default, I am also. My sudden uncomfortableness changed and I let out a joyful laugh. What is seemingly ridiculous in the natural, is superseded by the spiritual. I tell you this much: my demeanour and posture changed there and then!

Princes and princesses – arise! Stand up in your true clothing and walk with dignity, grace and authority, in the knowledge of Whose you are: chosen, holy, accepted, dearly loved and clothed for eternity in garments of righteousness.