Morning & Evening Devotional Reading–

December 6– Evening

by C. H. Spurgeon, revised and edited by W. C. Neff

“One who was like the Son of Man] had a golden sash wrapped around his chest.”

—Revelation 1:13

What is the significance of the Apostle’s vision of the heavenly Jesus being wrapped with a golden sash? A sash is a binding and finishing piece of clothing, and it indicates that Jesus was fully dressed and prepared for his official duties. He was always ready for service while on earth, and now before the eternal throne he keeps busy at his holy ministry. He is like the Old Testament priests who performed their duties in official clothing.

It is good for us that Jesus in heaven has not ceased to fulfill his offices of love. Indeed, one of our main safeguards is that he ever lives to make intercession for us. Jesus is never off duty; his garments are never loosened. He never leaves the office but diligently carries on the cause of his people.

The sash is golden because it displays the superiority of his service, the royalty of his person, the dignity of his office, and the glory of his reward. No longer does he cry out for us from the dust of earth, but he now pleads with authority of a King as well as a Priest.

Our Lord also gives his people an example; that is, we must never unbind our sashes. This is not the time to lay down and rest but to engage in service and warfare. We need to wrap the sash of truth more tightly around us. That golden sash is greatly needed, for a heart that is not well wrapped in the truth of Jesus will be easily entangled with the things of this life and tripped up by the snares of temptation. It is useless to have the Scriptures unless we bind them around us like a golden sash, surrounding our entire nature, keeping each part of our character in order. If Jesus doesn’t take off his sash in heaven, how much less should we here on earth. Stand, therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth. [M&E]