October 17th, 2013
Isaiah 61:10-11 — 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. For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.
Some thoughts came together today to lead to this idea that I should be a joyful sinner.
The first thought was about the idea that there are no perfect people! Shocking, don’t you think? That thought started when Myra shared that she had heard someone say that nobody with even one sin could enter into heaven. Now that’s true — God and sin will not live together, so we must be cleansed of all sin before we can enter His presence. Yet I believe that salvation is the free and unconditional … but that very few of us will manage to die at the instant after we have confessed our last sin! I’m not even sure I know enough to be sure I’ve confessed all my sins. Instead, I accept that Jesus will deal with me about all my actions at His judgment seat and that His blood pays for my sins. I am forgiven, I am being forgiven, and I will be forgiven.
That last line … I am constantly in need of forgiveness. That struck me with great force this morning. I am in constant need of forgiveness, and yet I am to “rejoice evermore”! How is it that I should not mourn for my sinful state?
It is the usual problem. I am looking at things through my eyes, and not through God’s. Look at me!
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.
This beautiful picture is the picture of God’s people, saved and living right. God’s people — that’s me, and you! In Isaiah, of course, God’s people were the Israelites but I think we may fairly adopt the words for Christ’s church.
Here was the last thought that built into this idea of the joyful sinner. The people of God are clothed with beautiful garments — in honor of their bridegroom Jesus. The beauty will spread to all nations. I am one of a redeemed host. How could I not be joyful?
I am a joyful sinner.