April 17: Dressed for Honor: Carrying His Presence

In a Nutshell

The sermon pointed out that before Jesus sat on the colt, the disciples put their garments on it. This act symbolizes being clothed in praise and righteousness, reminding us that any honor we receive comes not from ourselves, but from carrying the presence of the King.

Anchor Verse

Isaiah 61:10 (NIV): “I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”

Unpacking the Word

Picture the scene again: the untied colt is brought to Jesus. But before the King sits, there’s an intermediary step – the disciples lay their cloaks, their outer garments, across its back. This wasn’t just for comfort; it was an act of honor, preparing a makeshift saddle worthy of royalty. Pastor Reuben drew a beautiful parallel between these garments and the spiritual “clothing” God provides for us.

The Bible often uses clothing imagery. We’re told to put on the “garment of praise” (Isaiah 61:3) and, as our anchor verse declares, God clothes us with “garments of salvation” and a “robe of righteousness.” When the disciples placed their cloaks on the donkey, it became, as Pastor Reuben quipped, a V.I.D. – a Very Important Donkey! Why? Not because of the donkey itself, but because of Who it was about to carry and the garments that signified readiness and honor.

As the donkey carried Jesus through the praising crowds, any honor, any special treatment, any palm branches laid down, were directed at Jesus. The donkey was simply the vessel. Pastor Reuben cautioned against the “foolish donkey” mindset – thinking the praise and favor are because of us. How easy it is, when God uses us or blesses us, to start thinking, “Wow, I must be really special! Look at what I’m achieving.” We forget that any true significance, any lasting honor, comes solely from hosting the presence of Jesus in our lives.

Being “clothed” in salvation and righteousness isn’t something we earn; it’s a gift received through faith in Christ. Living in praise and thanksgiving is like wearing those garments daily. It positions us to receive God’s favor and presence. Praise, as the sermon noted, shifts our focus from our problems to God’s power. It acknowledges His goodness and past faithfulness (testimonies), building faith for the future. When we are “dressed” in praise and aware of His righteousness covering us, we become vessels ready for Him to use.

Let’s strive to be donkeys who understand where the honor truly belongs. Let’s consciously “put on” the garments of salvation, righteousness, and praise each day. By focusing on Him, thanking Him for His work in us and through us, we rightly attribute the glory to the One riding on, dwelling within – Jesus Christ Himself. It’s His presence that makes us significant.

Pause and Reflect

• When have you been tempted to take credit or feel pride for something God accomplished through you? How can remembering the donkey help keep you humble?
• What does it practically mean for you to “put on the garment of praise” or live clothed in His righteousness throughout your day?
• How does focusing on gratitude for God’s past actions (testimonies) affect your ability to carry His presence and face current challenges?

Faith in Action

• Start your day by intentionally “putting on” your spiritual garments. Pray Isaiah 61:10 over yourself, thanking God for salvation and righteousness. Then, spend a few minutes praising Him for specific things.
• Choose one testimony of God’s faithfulness in your life. Share it with someone today, giving God the glory.
• When you receive a compliment or achieve success today, consciously redirect the honor to God in your heart or even verbally if appropriate (e.g., “Thank you, I’m grateful for how God helped me”).

A Moment With God

Thank God for clothing you with salvation and righteousness through Jesus. Ask Him to help you live a life of praise and thanksgiving, always remembering that any honor comes from carrying His presence. Pray against the temptation to seek glory for yourself.

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