Dressed in White

I was talking with my son, and during our conversation was reminded of a dream I had during my early days as a follower of Christ. 

I'd awakened in darkness. My skin felt heavy with filth, and the clothing on my back might as well have been prickers. There was no escaping the sense of a growing presence intent on suffocation and death.

My cloudy mind cleared enough to remember a respected relative telling me of Jesus' love and mercy. All I needed to do was call on His name and He would save me.

As soon as I asked for Him to come, a calming presence replaced the heaviness that hovered. Courage increased and I was able to step forward. Although unable to see where I was headed, I could hear a gentle whisper encouraging me to take another step. And another. It wasn’t long and I could see a light in the distance, and somehow knew that was my destination.

I couldn’t tell you how long I walked, following the light or hearing the voice. I have no idea whether a shift in time occurred, or if there was a break in the dream; but at some point in time, I realized I was no longer wearing filthy clothes. It was a gown of sorts. It was soft, flowing, and fit better than any piece of clothing I'd ever worn. As I drew closer to the light, I could make out every detail.

It was a wedding gown, like something out of a Cinderella story. I don’t know where the gown came from, and I also knew that there was no way I would ever be able to afford this most elaborate piece of artwork.

As I drew closer to the light, I would look down to admire this gown. I could begin to pick out details such as the sequins and the lace that would cover the torso the pure white satin. I noticed the unthinkable. There was a tiny spot on the skirt of this dress. I had to stop to scrub it out, but no amount of scrubbing would get it. Jesus called to me, compelling me to come closer to the light. As I did, this spot grew, and darkness growled, grabbing for me. My heart began to break. I couldn’t imagine, completing my journey to the bright light ahead of me with such a soiled gown, but Jesus once again compelled me forward.

There came a point in time when I stopped my progression. The stains were so bad and my heartache was so great. I just couldn’t bear the thought of seeing this beautiful white gown smeared in black like that darkness that I had been coming out of.

But the Voice of Jesus called out to me and compelled me yet again to come forward. I couldn’t and I told Him so. It was breaking my heart. I really wanted to come to Him, but I couldn’t. I had tried bleach wipes. I had tried soap and water. I had tried all of the tricks that people had told me over the years past and nothing worked. He called me and held out His hand.

I had a decision to make.

I could go to him with all of my hurt and filth and risk His rejection when He sees my tragic condition. Or I could sit and allow the darkness to once again cover me.

I chose to go forward.

The risk of rejection was great. But my desperation for His love and healing touch was greater.

I took another step. And then another.

And I continued to move forward until I took his hand. He drew me into his embrace, and as He did, I could see all of the filth, all of the stains of my poor decisions, every hurtful word spoken over me, every scheme of darkness to keep me bound ... dissolve and fade away. The gown was once again dazzling white.

It’s been many years since that dream. Yet, I remember it as though it was just last night. I also remember being so loved, forgiven, and cared for.

In Scripture, Jesus says come to Him with our burdens and find rest. (Matthew 11: 28; 1 Peter 5:7)

The Lord also says that He is coming for a bride without spot or wrinkle (Ephesians 5: 25 - 27). 

As I considered the dream, I thought about the spots, and how they mattered. It was comforting to think about the compassion of our Lord, who will finish the work He has begun in us (Philippians 1:6).

As we surrender our hearts and our lives to Christ, placing our hand in His and allowing Him to embrace us, all of the spots, and wrinkles will fade, and all the Father sees is a radiant white that Jesus wears.

And so my friends take hold of His hand, His garment ... allow Him to take hold of you and never let go.

Our lives depend on it.

Courtesy Google Images