The Clothes Make the Worshiper
January 13, 2009
Scripture:
So Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Get rid of the foreign gods you have with you, and purify yourselves and change your clothes. Then come, let us go up to Bethel, where I will build an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and who has been with me wherever I have gone.” So they gave Jacob all the foreign gods they had and the rings in their ears, and Jacob buried them under the oak at Shechem. (Genesis 35:2-4)
Observation
I believe that people should be able to come ast they are to worship. I belong to the generation that asks, why cover up a heart filled with sin with nice clothes and pretend that everything is fine. What matters is the heart – not the clothes that we wear. So, I was intrigued that Jacob calls everyone who was with him not only to give up the idols or false gods that they were carrying – but also to change clothes before going to worship. The instruction to change clothes certainly would make sense if this verse followed quickly after the events at the end of chapter 24 when Jacob’s sons revenge the rape of Dinah. These are certainly not clothes appropriate for worship.
Was there more to their clothing – did it tie them to the worship of their gods? Or was it simply part of the purification process? Their earrings were taken in addition to gods. I find this very interesting.
Application
I am not sure about the application of this passage. I still believe that the state of the heart is the most important item in preparing for worship. But, it is possible that some clothing (and jewelry) can serve as a hindrance. When certain clothes are linked to past sins or to gods that are to be discarded, these are not to be worn.
So, this Sunday – I won’t wear an earring 0r any t-shirts that would cause people to stumble or be reminded of their past.
Prayer
God, thanks for caring so much about our worship. I am reminded that you are a holy God, and I should come to you with reverence and respect. I do need to take care of my appearance and clothing. Help me to net be flippant or casual as I approach you in wonder and awe. Amen.
