THE LORD SPOKE (February 02)

Daily Reflections from Scripture:

Old Testament: Exodus 27-28

Twice it says that the tunic and the turban were intended to give Aaron and his sons “dignity and honor” (see Ex. 28:2,40). The priests were set apart by special clothing that also included a sash and a headband. The High Priest had more. The ephod and the breastpiece served functional purposes as well.

Should pastor’s today wear a robe or some other distinguishing dress? A case could be made from history but here’s what John Ploughman (aka Charles Haddon Spurgeon) had to say about it 150 years ago.

A good horse cannot be a bad colour, and a really good preacher can wear what he likes, and none will care much about it; but though you cannot know wine by the barrel, a good appearance is a letter of recommendation even to a ploughman. Wise men neither fall into love nor take a dislike at first sight, but still the first impression is always a great thing even with them; and as to those weaker brethren who are not wise, a good appearance is half the battle. What is a good appearance? Well it’s not being pompous and starchy, and making one’s self high and mighty among the people.... If the priests of Rome suppose they get the respect of honest men by their fine ornamental dresses, they are much mistaken, for it is commonly said, “Fine feathers make fine birds,” and “an ape is never so like an ape as when he wears a Popish cape.”

I would say, let fools wear fools’ caps and fools’ dresses, but men who make no claim to be fools should not put on fools’ clothes. None but a very silly sheep would wear wolf’s clothing.... Except a duck in pattens, no creature looks more stupid than a Dissenting preacher in a gown which is of no matter of use to him. I could laugh till I held my sides when I see our doctors in gowns and bands, puffed out with their silks and touched up with their little bibs, for they put me so much in mind of our old turkey when his temper is up, and he swells to his biggest....

...If I speak too plainly, please remember that an old dog cannot alter his way of barking, and he who has long been used to plough a straight furrow, is very apt to speak in the same straightforward manner.

From John Ploughman’s Talks, or Plain Advice for Plain People
(Chapter 3: “On the Preacher’s Appearance)


New Testament: Mark 5

Two thousand pigs! Even if the market was down in the first century, that represents a sizable investment. Maybe that’s why the locals wanted Jesus to leave the region (5:17). He could be bad for the economy.

Were they also afraid of One who had such power? They knew about power. They’d seen the wild ravings and super-human strength of the demon possessed man. But chains would hold him for at least a little while (5:4). This One was different. The demons cowered before Him. To Him they said, “Yes, sir. No, sir. Anything you say, sir.”

The demons were disturbed. They thought they were tormented. Their lifestyle was about to change drastically. By the way, this passage is no justification for carrying on conversations with demons, finding out their names, and things like that. You’re not the Lord and you’re no exorcist either. Stay far away from such things unless God clearly puts you into such a situation and then you better trust Him tooth and toenail! You don’t have the strength to do it yourself.

There’s one very happy individual in this story. The demon possessed man is gloriously freed. No longer does he have to hang around smelly cadavers. His naked shame is now covered and he can stop bleeding all over things. Now he’s seated instead of raving, dressed instead of naked, and in his right mind instead of drooling crazy (5:15). And the band-aid box isn’t always empty.

No wonder he’s quick to tell everyone. And not just in Gerasa (5:1) but all over the ten cities of the Decapolis (5:20). Wouldn’t you do the same? If Jesus freed you from painful bondage to selfish habits, from debilitating chains of sin, and from ugly hidden secrets, wouldn’t you want to go and tell everyone about Him and what He’s done for you?

So, why don’t you?