The Purple RobeSample

WEARING THE PURPLE ROBE

When we accept our position in the royal priesthood of Christ, we get to wear a magnificent “purple robe” that distinguishes us from the world. “You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession…‘Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people’” (1 Peter 2:9-10, NLT). “He made you holy by means of Christ Jesus” (1 Corinthians 1:2, NLT).

Wow. Can you see yourself walking through a dull crowd in your spectacular purple robe? You are different! In Christ, you radiate royalty and beauty and victory. There is no way of going through life unnoticed when you dress like that! I agree; it is a wonderful fantastical image, but what does our purple robe look like in real life?

We radiate Christ by clothing ourselves in all that He is. “Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience” (Colossians 3:12, NLT). In the same way that God’s glory was visible through Aaron after meeting Him in the tabernacle, Jesus radiates through us when we are saved.

Like a royal purple robe that shimmers in many different hues, we reflect the love of Christ in various ways. “You should clothe yourselves instead with the beauty that comes from within, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is so precious to God (1 Peter 3:4, NLT). “And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another” (1 Peter 5:5, NLT). “Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony” (Colossians 3:14, NLT).

Do you believe you were chosen to be a holy royal priest in Christ’s service? How does it make you feel when you see yourself standing out from the world in your “purple robe”? How does it change how you go about your everyday life?

Let us think about what Jesus did for us when He became our High Priest on Good Friday. Let us step into a life of royalty and holiness in Him. “You will be called priests of the Lord, ministers of our God. You will feed on the treasures of the nations and boast in their riches. Instead of shame and dishonor, you will enjoy a double share of honor. You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours” (Isaiah 61:6-7, NLT).