out of the ordinary | the garments

God frequently works through the ordinary. Through them he shares something of his love for us and reveals elements of his redemption plan. In this devotional series we look at some of the ordinary things Jesus would have encountered as he journeyed towards the cross. For the next few days we will look at garments. Holy Spirit, will you reveal something extraordinary through each of them. Amen.

They divide my clothes among them and cast lots for my garment. Psalm 18:22, NIV

For centuries artists have depicted Jesus wearing a long flowing gown with voluminous sleeves, but Jesus actually wore a tunic that ended at the knees, not the floor. John tells us it consisted of one piece which means it was probably pretty basic and not very smart! Jesus wasn’t poor (after all, his ministry was funded by some very wealthy women, and he had a treasurer!) but he gave no weight or significance to material possessions. Instead he aligned himself with the poor, and his lifestyle was consistent with his priorities.

Because, of course, Jesus' priorities were to reveal the Father to us, tell us the Kingdom was coming, and defeat sin and death by becoming the ultimate sacrifice. 

We are completely free as God's people to enjoy good things, knowing the Father is the giver of every good gift. But, as followers of Jesus we are also compelled to ensure we have our priorities straight. I love that Lent gives us the opportunity every day to be thankful for the Father's great love and provision for us and also to ask him to align us even closer with what really matters to him.
 
Let's pray
Thank you, Jesus, for the way you help us understand what matters most to the Father. Thank you for giving yourself so completely for me. Holy Spirit, help me live in a way that is consistent with your priorities. In Jesus' name. Amen.