Clothed in Something Better | Cornerstone Family Wellness
In the clinic, I often see the effects of chronic stress that come from strained relationships. Many of us know what it feels like to experience the approval and favor of others, only to have it disappear when circumstances change or relationships become difficult. We can find ourselves constantly wondering where we stand with someone—whether we are accepted, valued, appreciated, or somehow falling short. The favor of man can feel like a garment that is placed on us one moment and removed the next. When we become consumed with gaining or maintaining the favor of man, we are chasing something that we often have little control over. In doing so, we can place our peace in the hands of another person.
That is one of the things that has struck me so deeply while studying the life of Joseph in the book of Genesis. Throughout his story, we see this same pattern of favor given and then taken away. We remember Joseph (and Dolly Parton) as the one who wore the "coat of many colors." This coat was given to Joseph by his father, Jacob, as a sign of his favor—a bestowed favor that would be the source of envy from his brothers. Joseph was clothed in Jacob's favor. (Gen. 37:3) However, we see the burning embers of the brothers' envy ignite into murderous rage when they betrayed Joseph. Genesis 37:23-24 says, "They stripped him of his robe, the robe of many colors that he wore. And they took him and threw him into a pit." Joseph, once clothed in favor, is now stripped and betrayed.
Coat on. Coat off.
We read that Joseph was purchased as a slave and brought to Potiphar's house to serve. The LORD was with Joseph and blessed all of the work of his hands. He rose in power and influence and was put in charge of Potiphar's entire household. He is clothed with favor again.
Coat back on.
We see Potiphar's wife relentlessly pursue Joseph. Her frustrated attempts to lure him result in her setting a trap for him. He runs away, but she "caught him by his garment...He left his garment in her hand and fled and got out of the house.... When she saw that he had left his garment," she called to the men of the household and framed Joseph as having attacked her. Joseph, once again, is now stripped and betrayed.
Coat off.
Joseph is thrown into prison where he served well, and the Lord blessed the work of his hands. Joseph rises to power and influence once again, finding favor in the eyes of the keeper of the prison. After years of being unjustly imprisoned, he is brought before Pharaoh to interpret a dream and is once again having his clothes changed.
Coat back on.
Upon interpreting the dream, Pharaoh puts him in charge over his entire house and places him second in command, giving him his ring and clothing him in garments of fine linen.
A new and better coat on.
Joseph lived to 110 years and died in Egypt. We read next in Exodus 1 that a new king arose over Egypt who did not know Joseph, and the oppression of the Hebrews began.
The coat of favor off again.
Throughout Joseph's life, his “coat of favor” came and went. As quickly as it was placed on him, it was removed, often suddenly and unjustly.
Such it is with the favor of man.
It comes, and it goes. It is bestowed on us and removed from us. It is a fickle garment. It is fleeting. It isn't enough.
As we ponder the work that Christ did on the cross for us. Let us hold with an open hand the coat of favor that man clothes us with so quickly and then removes from us. If we have it, then great. If it's removed, then it's no loss.
We are called to be clothed in the righteousness of Christ.
This garment is not our own; it has been given to us. On the cross we exchanged our filthy garment for His robe of righteousness. This garment is spotless, enabling us to stand before a Holy God.
This garment is our salvation and is infinitely precious. This garment was secured for us in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ.
This garment cannot, nor will it ever, be removed from us.
Coat on. Period.
Rest in that and walk in peace.
Isaiah 61:10
"I will rejoice greatly in the Lord, My soul will exult in my God; For He has clothed me with garments of salvation, He has wrapped me with a robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with a garland, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”
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