Embrace them first Week 48, 2010

“How, with these rags? She is so badly dressed. And see how dirty he is. Let him wash first. I don’t want to dirty myself.” Beloved they are coming for the first time. If a poor man in dirty clothes also comes in. If you give special attention to the man wearing fine clothes … but you say to the poor man, "Stand over there" or "Sit on the floor at my feet,” you have made false distinctions among yourselves Jas 2:2(ISV); we should welcome them first. “Look brother, I don’t despise the poor. God knows. This attire is distracting and indecent. God has a standard that must be kept, even in dressing in His house.” Oh yes He does. Look at the minister’s family: they are an example to follow; but that is not the first thing Jesus taught us to do.
“How, what He teach?” When the lost son was coming home in repentance he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him Lk 15:20(ESV). Despite the rags on him, rags of a filthy life, and rags of clothes, the father embraced him on the way. This welcome was followed by the lad’s confession. It was then that the father said to his servants, 'Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. Luk 15:22(ESV).
“You like parables… “Show me chapter and verse not so? Okay: Just as Jesus stepped out of the boat, a man with an unclean spirit came out of the tombs and met him. When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and fell down in front of him, Mk 5:2, 6(ISV). This man was naked. Jesus’ first concern was to chase the demons out of him. It was after this that they came to Jesus and saw the man who had been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there dressed and in his right mind Mar 5:15(ISV). If all hospitals insist their first timers dress well before treatment how many mentally ill will get well? The church is like a hospital you know.
“It’s okay, I will welcome them today. No word about their clothes, but they must get decent clothes next time to prove their repentance else I rule them out of order.” Thank you my dear; but you haven’t quite seen the picture. In both cases it is disciples that provide the clothes. “Kai! I will note their sizes.” Remember to give not only physical clothes but also instructions on putting on the right spiritual clothes of the new man. Instead, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ Rom 13:14(ISV).