For many, Easter is their favorite celebration. For those who hold this view they cite the glory of Christ’s resurrection and the joy of “seeing” Jesus triumph over evil as the reason why they are so joyful. At Easter, it is often easy for believers to feel that they are rejoicing in not only Christ’s incarnation, but His finished work on the cross. They rejoice that God has indeed saved them from the wrath to come. Besides these wonderful spiritual truths, Easter coincides with Spring, during which we see God’s creative beauty on display as flowers bloom, trees take on their foliage, and the grass turns green. There is something about the warmer weather that gives life to our frigid bodies, and ushers in hope for the future. So when Easter arrives, many people are spiritually jubilant and enjoying an improved mood. I believe that the meditations surrounding Easter lend themselves to the style of dress that is often on display. Women adorn themselves in beautiful dresses and for some, elegant hats. Men often wear suits accented by beautifully colored ties and handkerchiefs. New shoes often complete the outfit. Indeed, a celebration is in the air and it appears to be an extension of what is already in our hearts.
As I am writing this blog, I am thinking about another type of beautiful clothing that is referenced in Scripture in the fifteenth chapter of 1 Corinthians:
40 There are also heavenly bodies and there are earthly bodies; but the splendor of the heavenly bodies is one kind, and the splendor of the earthly bodies is another. 41 The sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another and the stars another; and star differs from star in splendor. 42 So will it be with the resurrection of the dead. The body that is sown is perishable, it is raised imperishable; 43 it is sown in dishonor, it is raised in glory; it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power; 44 it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body
“54 When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”[a]55 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?”[b]56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. – 1st Corinthians 15:54-58
Wow! I don’t think our best Easter outfit can match that!
When God has finished dressing us, we will have on:
- A heavenly body
- An imperishable body
- A glorious body
- A powerful body
- A spiritual body (not a natural one)
How is that for attire?! Are you ready? I am. As I am in my fifth decade of life, I am feeling the aches and pains that come when we grow older. I still exercise regularly, but it comes with more of a cost now. I can still touch my toes, but only with several groans accompanying the act. But really the greatest joy that I am anticipating when God gives me my heavenly body is where I will be enjoying it. For when I am clothed with the imperishable I will be with Him in heaven, for eternity. Since it seems so fitting that we dress up and celebrate God here on earth, does it not follow that we will be wonderfully clothed by God in heaven?
It is unclear for any of us when the Lord will call us home. Until that day, perhaps we can consider the fancy attire we see around Easter and Christmas to be a reminder of the greater things to come. One day we will trade in those dresses and hats, suit coats and ties, for the glorious body God will give to us. Those articles of clothing will be left behind and placed in boxes, or given to family members or the poor. But our new clothing from God will be ours forever and I am certain we will prefer it over the most beautiful clothing we were ever blessed to wear on earth. Who knows…maybe God will even give us a hat J.
Rob