The Garment of Praise

A Season of Thanksgiving
Terry R. Baughman

“To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness” (Isaiah 61:3 NIV).

Welcome! All those who approach the door bearing the appropriate garments are welcomed with open arms. While it all seems a little formal, a black-tie event has the expectation that the invited guests will attend dressed in an appropriate fashion. Formal wear usually includes tuxedos and black ties, long dress gowns for the women, and a rather lofty sophistication from all those in attendance. While many may not have the occasion to attend such an event, most have been invited to a wedding where there is a notation in the invitation concerning appropriate dress wear. 

Jesus tells a story where those who were invited did not respond, nor plan to attend the wedding. Then the king sent messengers out to all they could find to extend an invitation so that the celebration would be in a full house. Many came and the occasion was beyond expectation. So many were thrilled to have been invited, but then there was one man who was not dressed in the appropriate wedding attire. Apparently the king had provided appropriate clothing to all who were invited. The man who was found inappropriately dressed had come in without invitation and had not received the proper clothing. He was forcefully removed from the celebration. 

It seems odd all the others who attended were welcomed. There was just one man who wasn’t invited, but the others simply followed the instructions and were welcomed without cost. Everything was provided for them. The lesson seems to be that there is sufficient grace for anyone to come to God, but all must come in the right way. All must enter through the door, Christ Jesus, and all must clothe themselves in the righteousness of God. There is no substitute nor excuse to come any other way. Jesus said, “He who does not enter the sheepfold by the door, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber” (John 10:1 NKJ). Yet, Jesus also said, “Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17 NKJ). Jesus is willing for all to come to Him, but all must come through the right door, and Jesus is that Door!
The Psalmist sang, “Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise” (Psalm 100:4 NKJ). These are the garments we are expected to wear when we come into His presence. He freely gives us new garments when we come to Him. Isaiah said that God would, “Give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness” (Isaiah 61:3 NKJ). 

We have no excuse. He has given us joy in the place of our sorrow, a beauty of purity in place of our ashes of shame, and replaced our sorrow with joy. We have much to celebrate, and more for which to give thanks to God. Come before Him speaking thanks, expressing gratitude for all He has provided. Fill the air with sounds of praise and joyful worship. He is worthy! 



Theme passage:
“Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, And into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him, and bless His name” (Psalm 100:4 NKJ).