The Coat of Invisibility

Do you remember a time in school when the teacher asked a question of the class and because you did not want to be called on tried to make yourself "disappear" from your teacher's eyesight? Why couldn't we just put on a "coat of invisibility" at that moment! Of course, we all know how successful that can be when your teacher is looking exactly for the students trying to "disappear!"

Unfortunately, there have been many times when Jesus' closet disciples tried to hide themselves when confronted with a question from "the Rabbi?" As well, over the centuries since Jesus left this earth, many of his followers have tried the "disappearing act" when it comes to living out the mission of Christ here on earth. The journey of discipleship becomes hard. Too many sacrifices need to be made to do it successfully. And of course, what if our deeds seem to be the "wrong answers" to the question how we are living out a Christ-filled life? It is much simpler to look away as one who appears to be unaware of the problems that need to be addressed. It is easier to lower one's head behind the person in the pew in front of them when asked to shine the light of Christ's love by responding to a request to serve. It is easy to say "that is not my gift." And most certainly, it would be easy if one could simply slip on an "invisibility coat!"

In Ephesians 2: 1-10, one of our scriptures for this Sunday's message, we are told just the opposite! We are told that "as many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ" (Galatians 3:27). As Christians, we are invited to "put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires" (Romans 13:14).

So we are clothed with Christ, writes Paul, and we put on the Lord Jesus Christ — this is what it means to be a properly dressed disciple of Christ. Jesus becomes for us a Visibility Coat, one that reflects the light of God and makes us visible to the world. So, put on your Visibility Coat and come this Sunday to worship as we talk about how transforming congregations thrive when they serve.

Pastor Steve