Garments for a King
One of the most illuminating verses in the New Testament surrounds the seven-mile hike to Emmaus and the conversation that two of the disciples had with the Risen Christ.
“And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He interpreted [expounded NKJV] to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.” – Luke 19:27 ESV
On that trek Christ may have explained a passage like Psalm 45:6-8 which describes the future King of Israel, descended from David’s line, whose “throne would last forever and ever” (v.6). The king is addressed as, “God,” clearly indicating that the Messiah, the “anointed one” (v.7), is God Himself. This interpretation is confirmed by its quotation in Hebrews 1:8, 9. In this messianic psalm, the Father is addressing His eternal Son who is both God and man—the God-man. This is not the only time these two Persons of the Godhead speak with one other (see also Psalm 2:7, 8 and Psalm 110:1, 2).
“All Your garments are scented with myrrh and aloes and cassia, [bark powdered cinnamon]. Out of the ivory palaces, by which they have made You glad;…” – Psalm 45:8
Nothing in the Word of God is wasted. This Psalm is prophetic because it is describing the coming King leaving His abode in heaven and laying aside His perfumed, royal clothing to enter a world of sin. This psalm became reality when He exchanged His regal garments for baby clothes as His poor parents “wrapped Him in swaddling clothes” and laid Him “in a manger” (Luke 2:12).
Later, as Jesus Christ walked the dusty roads of Judea, we know little of what He wore but we do know that on one notable occasion, He “laid aside His garments; and took a towel, and girded himself…and began to wash the disciples’ feet – John 13:4-5. A strange garment, and a stranger action, for the King of glory!
Yet stranger still is the fact that later on men whom He had created “took His garments, and made four parts, for every soldier; and also His coat and they cast lots for it” (John 19:23, 24), leaving Him naked to die a painful death spiked to a tree. Finally, His little remnant of friends took “the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen clothes” (John 19:40) for His burial.
When He returns to planet earth in glory, remember, He will be wearing garments fitting the occasion, as He returns as a conquering King!
“and in the midst of the seven lamp stands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band” – Revelation 1:13 NKJV
In the last reference in the Bible to the garments of Christ He is a Mighty Warrior of God. Note also from this verse He not only had an imprint on His robe He was tattooed as well!
“On his robe and on His thigh He has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords” – Revelation 19:16
This is the eternal King and future reigning King of Christmas that we ought to Worship (bow to and rise up and obey)!
Let’s obey together!
Dale