I will greatly rejoice in the LORD;
my soul shall exult in my God,
for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation;
he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress,
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
As a young boy, it was not the most fun to get dressed up and go to a wedding, especially in a leisure suit. I did not rejoice or exult. Isaiah has a different take on the matter, however, and it has a lot to do with what God did for him, showing him mercy and calling him to serve him. He uses metaphors that will be used beautifully by the Apostle John in Revelation 21, the bride adorned for the bridegroom arrayed in glory. There is where I long to be in my wedding finery celebrating the marriage of the Lamb!
That is what we have received an invitation for in the gospel of Jesus Christ. May we be found in our wedding garments on the day of the wedding. May we be rejoicing and exulting the Lord as that day approaches. May we also be sharing the invitation with loved ones who we would love to accompany us as our guests to the marriage feast. We do not have to agonize over what to wear. He has provided the garments of salvation and the robe of righteousness. Let us try them on today.
Dear Lord, thank you for the wedding garments you provided for us with the cross. Help us to wear them well and rejoice in anticipation of the wedding day. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Pastor Brad Boyer
Cape Community Church