“He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.”
Colossians 2:13—14
“Sir,” the mâitre d’ whispered as he pulled my friend Gary aside, “you cannot enter here without the proper attire. Coat and tie are required.” Unbeknownst to my shirtsleeved friend, the upscale New York restaurant had strict rules. He sighed, glanced wantonly at the mahogany walls, the crystal, the menu, and then turned to leave.
“Wait,” the mâitre d’ said, gesturing toward the coat check window. “We cannot violate our code, but we can help you meet it. May we provide this for you?” he said, holding up a medium-sized jacket and tie. Gary confided to me later that at first the restaurant’s rules miffed him. His attitude changed when he saw how the management bent over backward to make provisions for those who could not meet their requirements. As Gary slipped into his borrowed clothes, he was profusely thankful. The thoughtful gesture not only ennobled the mâitre d’ and his staff but made my friend respect the restaurant code all the more.
Revelation 19:9 announces, “Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” But the banquet has an important requirement: we must be clothed in righteousness. It’s the written code, reflecting the highest of standards. Trouble is, it’s impossible for flesh and blood to attain (1 Cor. 15:50). Yet rather than bend the standard to accommodate us (another impossibility), God takes an even higher, more glorious road. He ennobles himself by providing the righteousness of Jesus Christ as a covering for sinful humanity. God is magnified in our eyes when we read Revelation 19:8: “‘Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.’ (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.)”
In darker moments, our flesh may resent the requirements of the Law. It’s understandable for the flesh to feel that way, but our generous God has taken it upon himself to provide for us without compromising the written code. Today celebrate the fact that you wear the righteousness of Christ.
I don’t deserve a place at the banquet, Lord, but thank you for generously providing your clothes of righteousness. I’m permitted to have a seat…and I’m grateful!
