With the coming of October there are a few noticeable things. The weather goes from Texas summer to Texas Hotumn (instead of Autumn it is still hot like summer…get it, Hot-umn.) Sorry. It is noticeable that our clothing begins to change. Not only for the weather but also Halloween costumes and Spirit Stores begin to be busy again. Clothing is
functional but also a way in which we say something. You know the adage, “Actions speak louder than words.” Clothing and how we dress says something.
Clothing as a topic was in the news also because the Senate has allowed changes to the dress code requirements for senators. There is now a more relaxed dress code where Senators can wear just about whatever they want. Many of the Republican senators are upset saying in a letter representing their side, “The world watches us on that floor, and we must protect the sanctity of that place at all costs,” they wrote. “Allowing casual clothing on the Senate floor disrespects the institution we serve and the American families we represent.”
One Democrat senator said in response, “”To me, it’s a dignity of work issue.”
One Jewish commentator said, “I wonder if you asked all the Christian senators if they thought there should be a dress code for church, what their reaction would be? They think the government is a “sacred” place and “sanctity” (which means holy) of their work. What about God’s house?” An interesting question for us to ponder…
So, no matter your politics and no matter your religion, clothing is something that says something. Many say it is a non-issue but the fact that they have to say it is a non-issue means it is an issue!
Adam and Eve of course made clothing for themselves to cover their shame, the famous fig leaves. God came and made them clothing out of animal skins (most likely sheep). God by providing clothing was saying something. He would cover their shame in sinning against him. Adam and Eve said something by wearing the clothing given by God, that they wanted his cover, his protection, his work on their behalf.
The Bible also carries this subject throughout the whole story of Christ. Prophets were known by their clothing, Elijah and John the Baptist were specifically identified by their rough clothing of animal hair. Kings wore robes and purple. Joseph was given a coat by his father. St. Paul asked for his article of clothing that showed he was a Roman citizen. Clothing is everywhere in the Bible because it says something.
The Bible says we wear clothing to cover our shame, 1 Corinthians 11 and 12. Wearing clothing means you are ashamed of your sin. It is not a coincidence that the demons, when they possessed people, one of the first things they did was shed all their clothing. Demons and the devil don’t want you to have any protection. They hate you. They want you dead.
Even Jesus’ clothing meant something when he was crucified, they put a robe on him and mocked him. Then they stripped him naked for crucifixion. All those who were crucified were naked and that showed they had no protection from Caesar. Caesar was a god and no one could compete. “Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews” read the sign above Jesus. Sin against Caesar and your clothing, protection and dignity are all taken away.
Isaiah 61:10 already in the Old Testament begins to hint that God will clothe his people who like Adam and Eve have sinned greatly, in righteousness. “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.” But what a turn in events that God himself would take our flesh, our nakedness and all our sin upon himself. He would in Jesus restore our flesh and bodies to a status they had before sin came into the world.
St. Paul uses the clothing analogy to say in Galatians 3:20, “As many of you who have been baptized into Christ have been clothed in Christ.” Clothing also now becomes a picture of Christ’s redemption and restoration of our human race.
What was once to our shame is now our protection. The flesh of Jesus Christ given to us even in Holy Communion. But our Lord doesn’t leave it there. He also teaches us to “Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, Kindness, humility, meekness, and patience” (Col 3:12)
Fall is a time when our clothing begins to change. We put on clothing to help protect our bodies and perhaps we even want to say something with our clothing. We wear a team jersey showing what team we support. Who doesn’t like to wear a concert t-shirt saying, “I was at that concert” or “This is my favorite band.”? Let us be reminded that our clothing is important, it is both functional but also because it reminds us of Christ. Our clothing is not to stand out and make everything about us, “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires”. Romans 13:14
See you on Sunday!
In Christ,
Pastor Ottmers