God is a God of preparation. John the Baptist was used of God as a herald to prepare the people for Jesus, the Messiah. He preached the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, getting on track in right relationship with Father God.
Luke 3:4-6, John heralds, “….The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God”.
We are in preparation time and do well to remember Romans 8:28, “….All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to his purpose.”
The book of Esther records her important role in history as she was divinely used to prevent annihilation of her Jewish race. According to the custom of the day, she had to prepare herself before she went into the king’s presence. Esther 5:1 reads “Now it came to pass ON THE THIRD DAY that Esther put on her ROYAL APPAREL and stood in the inner court of the king’s house…..”
The third day in scripture speaks of the day of fullness. We, as Believers and disciples of Jesus Christ, have opportunity in our every day circumstances, whatever we meet, to wear, to put on, the royal apparel, the nature of Christ. The divine nature of Christ is our birthright, our inheritance through the finished work of Christ’s sacrifice at Calvary. The provision has been made from God’s side, only in humility can I wear the royal apparel of His Son. As soon as I rise up in my flesh, I take off that royal robe.
Too long the Church of Jesus Christ has limped through history, battle scarred with wounded egos and men vying for position and self glory, leaving a stench in the nostrils of God and the world, instead of the fragrance of Christ.
When we attempt to fight our battles in the flesh, in our own strength, we are like little David wearing Saul’s armour to fight against Goliath. It does not fit!….and disaster, not victory, is the end result. The armour of God is the royal apparel of the nature of Christ.
Ephesians 6:13 “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand”. My “standing” is in Christ alone. He, and His nature, is my new identity for God’s purposes and glory.
Clear the road, make wide the way, (let self get out of the way), that the King of Glory, the Lord Jesus Christ, may come in. In humility, wear the provision of His royal robe in grace. The indwelling Christ will delight to live in, and through you, bringing glory to the Father for the extension of His kingdom here on earth.
Enter the divine robing room of Christ’s provision with thankfulness, humility…….and joy! Christ’s royal apparel is for the third day.
