Clothed

If you’ve been following me, you know my passion for trees is strong. What you may not know is that I love to see the latest trends in tree haute couture.

FYI haute couture refers to the creation of exclusive custom-fitted high-end fashion design that is constructed by hand from start to finish. (According to Wikipedia)

I do love a well dressed tree. God is quite the high end fashion designer, clothing the earth, the trees, and even us. He does care about all of His creations, putting so much care and detail into every design.

And why do you worry about clothes? Consider how the lilies of the field grow: They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was adorned like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’

Matthew 6:28-31

Let’s start with footwear. In my last Passions post your eyes may have feasted upon Winter’s mossy boot trend.

Spring and Summer are in the air now and Ivy sandals are the latest look to be spotted from the sidewalk.

Ooh LA LA. That is a look! A little leg, a little strappy sandal. How can any tree go wrong?

There are so many references to sandles in the Bible. It’s difficult to choose just one, but one comforting verse that comes to mind is about God’s provision. When the Isrealites were in their wilderness for 40 years God reminded them that He had provided for them. Their clothes and their sandals never wore out. (Deutoronomy 29:5)

God’s craftsmanship over our lives is quality work. Quality takes time and precision.

When we have been in our wilderness a long time we can weary and forget that we have been cared for. It’s important to lift our heads and give thanks to God for His loving and kind provisions.

These Trees have been clothed from head to toe. Vines are all the rage this season!

Jesus is our Vine and our Father God is the Vine dresser. He surrounds us, drapes us in righteousness and draws us close to Him. We’re in good hands when we remain in our Tailor’s care. (John 15:1-27)

He helps orphans and widows, and He loves foreigners and gives them food and clothes.

Deuteronomy 10:18

I’m not sure if these are accessories or this tree has a fungal infection. 🤔 Fashion is sometimes a matter of taste, and beauty is in the eyes of the beholder.

Nevertheless, this tree caught my eye from the path. I had to take a closer look.

As we take a closer look at Jesus we learn that God not only cares about the smaller details of our lives, but He also cares about the bigger picture. We’re attired for life on earth as he fits us for heaven. He purifies the sinner, removing spot, blemish and stain. He accessorizes us with wisdom and provides new clean garments.

Many will be purified, made clean, and refined, but the wicked will go on being wicked. None of the wicked will understand, though the wise will understand.

Daniel 12:10

So the angel said to those standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes!” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have removed your iniquity, and I will clothe you with splendid robes.” Then I said, “Let them put a clean turban on his head.” So a clean turban was placed on his head, and they clothed him, as the angel of the LORD stood by. 

Zechariah 3:4-6

Last, but not least, Spring and Summer’s top to bottom extravaganza will showcase vibrant greens. This fresh look evokes thoughts of resiliency.

It’s been a long and difficult Pandemic season. Some are still weary, some are enraged. Others will be worried or fearful. We’re all looking forward to some rest and revival. For those who know God we also know that as we wait on Him (Trust in Him and abide in Him) He will continue to breath new life into us, giving us hope, dreams and promising us a future. (Jeremiah 29:11)

“But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.”

Jeremiah 17:7-8