December 6

Morning

As was the earthly man, so also are those who are of the earth; and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are of heaven. — 1 Cor 15:48 BSB

The head and the members are of one nature, unlike the strange image that Nebuchadnezzar saw in his dream, with a head of fine gold but a body of brass, iron, and clay. Christ’s mystical body is not a mixture of opposites. Its members were mortal, so Jesus died. But the head is now immortal, and so the body is immortal too, as the Scripture says, “Because I live, you shall live also.” As the head is, so are the members, each one in particular. A chosen head, and chosen members; an accepted head, and accepted members; a living head, and living members. If the head is pure gold, all the parts of the body are of pure gold as well. There is a double union of nature, which forms the foundation for the closest communion.

Pause for a moment, dear reader, and reflect with awe on the infinite grace of the Son of God, who has lifted your lowly state into such a blessed union with His glory. You are so low that, remembering your mortality, you can say to corruption, “You are my father,” and to the worm, “You are my sister!” Yet in Christ, you are so exalted that you can say to the Almighty, “Abba, Father!” and to the incarnate God, “You are my brother and my husband!” If connection to an ancient and noble family makes people think highly of themselves, how much more should we rejoice in our union with Christ! Let even the poorest and most overlooked believer take hold of this privilege. Don’t let laziness cause you to neglect tracing your spiritual lineage. And don’t let an obsession with earthly vanities distract you from the incredible, heavenly honor of your union with Christ!

Evening

and among the lampstands was One like the Son of Man, dressed in a long robe, with a golden sash around His chest. — Rev 1:13 BSB

When John saw the vision on Patmos, he noticed that the One who appeared like the Son of Man wore a golden belt. A belt, because Jesus was never unprepared for service during His earthly life. He always stood ready. And now, before the eternal throne, He has not ceased His holy work. As a priest, He remains clothed with the “fine belt of the ephod.” It is a comfort for us to know that He has not stopped fulfilling His loving offices for us. One of our greatest assurances is that He always lives to intercede for us. Jesus is never idle. His garments are never loose as if His work were finished. He continues to advocate for His people with diligence.

The golden belt represents the superiority of His service, the royalty of His person, the dignity of His position, and the glory of His reward. No longer does He cry out from the dust; now He pleads with authority, a King as well as a Priest. How secure is our case in the hands of our enthroned Melchizedek!

Jesus also sets an example for all His people. We must never unbind our belts either. This is not a time for ease; it is a season for service and warfare. We must tighten the belt of truth around our waists. It is a golden belt, the richest of ornaments, and we need it, for without it, our hearts would be easily ensnared by the world and tripped up by temptation. It’s pointless to own the Scriptures unless we wear them like a belt, surrounding our entire being, keeping every part of our character in order, and giving strength to our whole person. If Jesus doesn’t loosen His belt in heaven, how much less should we on earth? Therefore, stand firm, with the belt of truth fastened tightly around you!