It is that time of year in the Outer Banks when you need every season of clothing accessible to you. You may wear all seasons in one day. A week ago we left the house with the heat turned on, wearing jackets and boots. A week later, we’re in sandals and short sleeves. Who knows what next week might hold?

If you’re like me, you give your clothing selections serious consideration. Things need to be appropriate, flattering, cost-effective. comfortable, and like Goldilocks’ porridge, not too hot and not too cold. Clothing is how we armor ourselves for the world. It says who we are before we say who we are. Clothing can make or break an interview, a first date, or your credibility. Mama was right to counsel us on the fact that clothes not only should fit, but they should also fit the occasion. If you’ve ever misjudged an outfit and wore something way too casual for what turned out to be a formal occasion, you know what I’m talking about.

In this beautiful passage from Luke, we continue the Easter story by exploring what happened during the 40 days after the resurrection. Jesus met with his eleven disciples to give them some last instructions and marching orders. Notice in verse 44, he almost says, “I told you so” without really saying “I told you so.” Good restraint, Jesus!

Luke 24 (New International Version)

⁴⁴ He said to them, “This is what I told you while I was still with you:Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets and the Psalms.”

So, in this important moment, he reminds them of what he had already told them regarding the prophecies from the Pentateuch through the Psalms. He was the fulfillment of it all.

⁴⁵ Then he opened their minds so they could understand the Scriptures.⁴⁶ He told them, “This is what is written: The Messiah will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, ⁴⁷ and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. ⁴⁸ You are witnesses of these things. ⁴⁹ I am going to send you what my Father has promised; but stay in the city until you have been clothed with power from on high.”

Jesus gives them the startling news that they will be clothed with power from on high. I’m sure that just as they had no idea what his messiahship would entail, they had no idea what this would mean, either. But the gift that our Lord promised enabled them to take the Gospel and go into the world and form a new church. And here we are today, recipients of that gift as well.

The Ascension of Jesus

⁵⁰ When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. ⁵¹ While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. ⁵² Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. ⁵³ And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God.

The clothing of the power of the Holy Spirit brought the world the good news of forgiveness of sins and the promise of the resurrection of the dead. This is a good reminder to us today as we sometimes get frustrated with the politics and policies of our churches. When we remember the main purpose of the church and by whom the church is powered, it helps us stay focused on our mission, and we can then continue to clothe ourselves in other things, as Paul suggests:

Colossians 3 (New Living Translation)

¹⁴ Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. ¹⁵ And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

¹⁶ Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. ¹⁷ And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Above all, clothe yourselves in love.

What are you wearing today?

Clothed in Glory by Michelle Robertson