February 15, 2021
Sharing from the congregation – David Petty
The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.” And to him he said, “See I have taken your guilt away from you, and will clothe you with festal apparel.”
— Zechariah 3:4
Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have stripped off the old self with its practices, and have clothed yourself with the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge according to the image of its creator....As God‘s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, meekness and patience. — Colossians 3:9-10,12
In the Bible a change of clothing often reflects a change in status. Consider the Old Testament story of Joseph (Genesis 37 and 39-50.) Near the beginning of the story, when Joseph is reduced to slavery, he loses his wonderful coat. Later, when he is made administrator of Egypt, one of the first things that happens to Joseph is that he is dressed in fine linen. Or think of how Elijah, in 2 Kings 2:1-14, carried off in a whirlwind, leaves behind his cloak; the cloak is picked up by his disciple Elisha, who then takes on his mentor’s role.
In Colossians Paul gives one of those lists of virtues similar to the “fruit of the spirit” list in Galatians 5 and the battle equipment list in Ephesians 6. The primary message, I’m sure, is that these are virtues that a Christian should practice. But there is an apparent secondary message too. Paul, good Jewish scholar that he is, is picking up on the old symbolism of clothing. It is not just that we modify our behavior; it’s that we are transformed — we become a “new self.” In other biblical language, we are born again; we are charged from a slave to an heir.
On Feb. 17 the season of lent begins. Some people mark this season by giving up a bad habit (at least temporarily.) That’s a good idea in itself, but we should not forget the greater symbolism of the practice. We are becoming, or reminding ourselves that we have become, new selves.
Gracefully submitted,
David Petty