Garment of Praise

 

Garment of Praise

For the spirit of heaviness

To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified; Isa. 61: 3.

        The above verse shows that Messiah announces that He is here to heal the damage that sin brings along to humanity. Sin has done great damage, so there needs to be a great work of redemption. Sin impoverishes, breaks hearts, and makes captives. 

                                                        Gentleness is power

          Learning to understand that our power as Christians does not come from ourselves but only from God, gives hope to all those who are gentle, not only in action, but in temperament.

Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: But I beseech you, that I may not be bold when I am present with that confidence, wherewith I think to be bold against some, which think of us as if we walked according to the flesh.  For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled. Do ye look on things after the outward appearance? if any man trust to himself that he is Christ's, let him of himself think this again, that, as he is Christ's, even so are we Christ's. For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed: That I may not seem as if I would terrify you by letters.  For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak, and his speech contemptible. Let such a one think this, that, such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such will we be also indeed when we are present; 2 Cori. 10:1-11. 

        Apostle Paul spake humbly of himself. It is important that we are aware of our own infirmities, and think humbly of ourselves, even when men reproach us which is very hard to practice in our strength.

       The work of the ministry is a spiritual warfare with spiritual enemies, and for spiritual purposes. Outward force is not the method of the gospel, but strong persuasions, by the power of truth; and praying and trusting God’s promises. God’s strength will prevail in the meekness of wisdom.

Conscience is accountable to God only; and people must be persuaded to God and their duty, not driven by force. Thus, the weapons of our warfare are very powerful; the evidence of truth is convincing. What opposition is made against the gospel, by the powers of sin and Satan in the hearts of men! But observe the conquest the word of God gains. The appointed means, however feeble they appear to some, will be mighty through God. And the preaching of the cross, by men of faith and prayer, has always been fatal to idolatry, impiety, and wickedness. In outward appearance, Paul was mean and despised in the eyes of some, but this was a false rule to judge by. -Matthew Henry.

    There will be people in any groups who have come from broken or severely dysfunctional families who do not have comfortable, gentle moments with their parents or family members; and do not have good memories to nourish. Some would have come from very nurturing families, and they would have good memories. It takes effort and sensitivity; and gentleness in the power of God’s spirit;  to discuss and move through the sessions or dealing with those people.

        For reasoning: Paul and his companions in ministry did not make any attempt to exploit people of Thessalonica, but they lived at their own expense. They showed gentleness and care toward the converts at Thessalonica. They worked day and night to earn their own living, while at the same time preaching the good news of salvation, slowly building up the newborn Christian community.

         Healthy evaluation calls us to trust God, who knows our hearts. God is able to reveal our motives if we ask Him genuinely. When we are gentle in our ministry, we can be mentors to many in serving Christ, using Paul’s model; Ref. 1 Thess. 2: 1-12.

With great simplicity and godly sincerity: Our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile, v. 3. This, no doubt, was matter of the greatest comfort to the apostle—the consciousness of his own sincerity; and was one reason of his success. Matthew Henry Commentary.

The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness

      The knowledge that we can never  grow something without a seed, should speak volumes in our hearts and mind.  The blessing of life and growth is miraculously within the seed; and God gives the sower the seed. We need the right environment, for the seed to bud, grow, and be fruitful. The granting of salvation and righteousness to God’s people is represented by the picture of clothing them; the garment of praise. 

        No one sholud be sitting in the ashes too long, mourn, and indulge with the spirit of heaviness; when there is hope at the foot of the Cross. Lord Jesus will proclaim liberty to the captives, and open the prison doors and set free those who are bound. Only He is able to deliver, and dress them up with the garment of praise, and adorn us. This is for God’s glory only!