White Garments
by Gemma Gardner
A few weeks ago, I noticed that our washing machine was making a strange noise when it was spinning. The next time, Dean heard it and said we should keep an eye on it and see what happens. It had served us for the last nine years, so I thought it must be about to pack up. And sure enough, it did. Now we have a new washing machine, safely installed, and I must say, it’s made a real difference to the feel of our clothes. Even the white things look whiter.
I’ve been reading the book of Revelation in my time with the Lord, and thinking about white garments. The Bible seems to say a lot about them.
First of all, I thought about how Jesus’ garments turned dazzling white when He was transfigured on the mountain with three of His disciples. And then I thought about Revelation Chapter 1 where John saw Jesus wearing a white robe. We know that Jesus was pure and sinless all His life on earth, and we can see in the Scriptures that white robes are synonymous with purity.
In Revelation 3:4-5, Jesus commends some people in the church in Sardis who had not soiled their clothes with evil. They had not got drawn into following false teaching and were seeking to live holy lives and be faithful to Jesus.
Here on earth, we are always having to wash our clothes. They are constantly getting dirty from our surroundings. But what about our spiritual garments? Well, Paul gives some good advice in Romans 13:14: ‘Clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires’.
He also says, ‘Dear friends, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that can defile our body or spirit. And let us work towards complete holiness because we fear God’ (2 Corinthians 7:1).
Finally, in Revelation Chapter 19, we are told about the wedding feast of the Lamb and that His bride has made herself ready. ‘She has been given the finest of pure white linen to wear. For the fine linen represents the good deeds of God’s holy people’ (Revelation 19:8).
These Scriptures greatly challenge me. But if, like me, you feel you have a long way to go, I encourage you not to give up or be discouraged. The Bible says that He who calls you is faithful, and He will present you faultless. Keep on!
Gemma Gardner lives in Norfolk with her husband, Dean, who until recently worked at Ellel Grange. They are both part of the Associate Ministry team which Gemma joined after completing the Modular school. Gemma has experienced the Lord`s healing and restoration over many years and longs to see Him healing other broken people. Gemma loves listening to music, cooking, knitting and crochet as well as outdoor exercise. She enjoys playing guitar and singing worship songs.
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