Fashioned: The Great Exchange
Imagine walking into your nearest TJ MAXX or Marshalls on the first day of Spring, dressed in a heavy winter jacket covering an old outfit purchased long ago. You carry a separate shopping bag filled with old worn outfits, tattered by seasons of wear. Feeling slightly embarrassed, you sheepishly approach the counter and quietly whisper to the salesperson that you want to exchange these old clothes for something BRAND NEW. You tell her you met the store owner, and he expects you.
The salesperson stares at you blankly, knowing there is no value in what you are trying to exchange. Then, suddenly, you see him walking towards you, the owner. He interrupts the conversation by saying, “Give this woman new clothes, including a coat and a nice hat! There will be no cost for her.” Instantly you are filled with overwhelming gratitude and excitement. The best “exchange” of all time has taken place! Next, you exchange your worn-out clothes of no value and receive brand-new outfits, more expensive than you could ever afford, seemingly tailored just for you! Walking out of the store, you have a new spring in your step and joy in your heart! What a gift to know the owner of the store!
Spiritually, this is what happens we believe in Jesus Christ.
Isaiah wrote these words about the coming Messiah more than seven hundred years before Jesus came to earth.
ISAIAH 61
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn; to grant to those who mourn in Zion—to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified. (ESV)
Jesus quoted a portion of this scripture from Isaiah when he began his ministry in Nazareth.
You can read this in the book of Luke, chapter four.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.
He ends his remarks with these words, “Today this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”
Jesus is in the exchange business! Consider these three specific promises.
· A beautiful headdress instead of ashes,
· The oil of gladness instead of mourning,
· The garment of praise instead of a faint spirit.
A beautiful headdress instead of ashes. In Bible times, someone put ashes on the forehead of those who were mourning. A beautiful headdress speaks of joy and celebration. Jesus wants to renew our minds through His word and give us a new perspective that leaves us hopeful. Just as the ashes are noticeable to others, our beautiful new headdress or attitude sets us apart from the world.
The oil of gladness instead of mourning. In Bible times, at festive events, attendees would be anointed with oil. Often mixed with fragrant perfumes (think essential oils), the oil was offered to refresh the guest. Oil represents the Holy Spirit in our lives. The word gladness in the Greek means exultation or exceeding joy. The Holy Spirit is here, ready to anoint our lives with joy.
You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy. Psalm 30:11 (NLT)
Finally, a garment of praise instead of a faint spirit. Giving praise to God magnifies the possibilities while diminishing the negative thoughts that we all battle. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can put on a garment of praise.
I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul will make its boast in the Lord; The humble will hear it and rejoice. O magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord, and He answered me And delivered me from all my fears. Psalms 34:1-4 (NKJV)
Today, Jesus is offering this exchange to YOU! Your old, worn-out life, for His new life. Old ways of doing things exchanged for His way of living. Any clothes you want to swap? I hear the owner of the store is waiting for you!
Fashioned for 2023,
Liz
