Fri.’s Devo - Putting on Strength

Read: Isaiah 51:1-53:12; Ephesians 5:1-33; Psalm 69:19-36; Proverbs 24:7
God was offering hope for the refugees from Babylon who were coming back to Jerusalem. He told them to clothe themselves with strength as if it was something we can put on. Imagine yourself, when you are overwhelmed with life putting on the garment of strength. That is exactly what he was telling Israel to do. Then he reminded them of all he had done for them in the past. He had made a road in the middle of a sea just so that his people, his redeemed, could cross over. He made that same road for us through the cross in order for us to cross over from death into life.
Then, he reminded them of their present. He was the one who comforts them right now. He is the one who is with us right now, this very moment, in whatever we are facing.
Then, he reminded them of their future and what he was going to do. The ones they were afraid of, God had already planned their demise. They would die in their own dungeons. God was sending a redeemer who would act wisely and shut the mouths of kings. He gave us the perfect description of Jesus. Through his suffering he would heal us and deliver us and bear our sin.
This is how we “put on strength”. We remember what God has done for us in the past, practice his presence with us right now and reflect on what his promises are for our future.
In Ephesians, Paul gives us some very positive advise: imitate the life that Jesus lived, love people, be thankful, walk in the light, choose things that produce life, make the most of your time, always rejoice in the goodness of God. If we concern ourselves with the positives we won’t be tempted by the negatives. As wives, we are to respect and submit to our husbands as a picture of the churches’ submission to Jesus. Husbands are to love their wives as a picture of how Jesus loves us.
Lord, today we will rise up and clothe ourselves with your strength. We will shake off the dust and free ourselves from the chains of bondage and lies. We will walk rejoicing and giving thanks for all you have done for us and who you are to us.