Esther: Clothing and Fashion (7 )
And when he went forth to land, there met him out of the city a certain man, which had devils long time, and ware no clothes, neither abode in any house, but in tombs. Then they went out to see what was done; and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the devils were departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid. Luke 8:27,35
Read Luke 8:26-39
Clothing is not only a form of communication. According to the Word of God, we make a statement by the clothing we wear. A sense of shame is of utmost importance. Today’s worldly fashions are sensual and seek to eradicate this sense of shame. However, biblical directives seek to shield and uphold the privacy of our bodies. Biblical fashion is more than just negative ordinances. By grace, clothing in biblical terms is also positive; it is closely related to serving the Lord.
In our Bible portion we are confronted with two extremes. First, we see a naked, demon possessed man. However, the devil is not satisfied with this; he desires to bring this man to total ruin. But the Lord Jesus heals him. The devil is cast out and the possessed man returns to his right mind. He met Christ and did not remain the same man; he was also clothed by the Lord Jesus, completing the miracle. Christ revealed His power in this man’s life for both body and soul. Consequently, we read that he sat peacefully at Jesus’ feet in his right mind. He had been unclothed by the devil but was clothed again by Christ. That too is Gospel! The Lord provides for His people, including their clothing of perfect righteousness. As a result, believers should be thankful for the clothes we are given to wear. He has paid the price so that this would be certain; He was willing to bear shame so that we might be clothed.
There is a sense in which the Lord provides a place for believers at His feet in this life. In thankfulness, we may take our place there, where we may learn from Him as he speaks to us through his Word. When he brings His own to heaven, we will sit, not at His feet, but in His throne (Rev. 3:21), where we will praise Him for His saving work, and His provision of righteousness.
Question: How would you dress while sitting at the Lord Jesus’ feet?
Psalter 104: 3,8 (based on Psalm 39) Make me, O Lord, to know my end, Teach me the measure of my days, That I may know how frail I am And turn from pride and sinful ways. When Thou for his iniquity, rebukes and corrects man, His beauty is consumed away, How weak his strength, how vain his plan.