A Pause to Ponder God's Word
"Clothes of Righteousness"

It would be an odd sight to see a person on their boat dressed in a swim suit stand up and put on their street clothes to jump in the water for a swim. People normally disrobe to swim, not get fully dressed. But, as we read John 21 we see someone do exactly that. In verse seven we are told that Peter "wrapped his outer garment around him and jumped into the water." Peter got fully dressed to jump into the water! Why did he do such an unusual thing? It was important enough for John to include it in the account. Does the text give any indication to why?

In Jesus' day it was common practice for fishermen to strip down to their undergarment to fish. The outer garments encumbered them, especially if they were to get wet. Therefore, they would remove the outer garment and take the back of the long undergarment, pull it up between their legs and secure it at the waste. In essence, they created shorts. The fisherman would do this whether fishing from their boat or from shore. It was natural for a fisherman like Peter. But, knowing this only piques one's curiosity as to why Peter put on his clothes to jump into the water.

John carefully notes when Peter put on his clothing; "As soon as Simon Peter heard him [the disciple whom Jesus loved] say, 'It is the Lord,' he wrapped his outer garment around him and jumper into the water." It was the Lord on shore. The One whom Peter had forsaken and fled from. The One whom Peter had denied three times. It was the resurrected Christ and when Peter heard these words they pierced him to the heart. Just like Adam and Eve attempted to cover their sin and guilt with figs leaves, Peter was now trying to cover his with woven clothing.

We too are like this? When we have failed our Lord or sinned against Him, we try to cover it over. We attempt to hide it from God. We wrap our guilt in acts of righteousness -"see all I have done for you Lord." We cover it with excuses - "its not my fault." We disguise with blame - "They made me do it." These outer garments accomplish nothing, for as Peter found, Jesus sees through our rags. "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." (Hebrews 4:13) Our efforts to cover our guilt are futile. Though they may fool others, even ourselves, they do not fool God.

In his frail attempt to cover his guilt, there was one thing that Peter did correctly. He went to Jesus. Hearing the word "It is the Lord" not only brought the vivid awareness of his sin, it brought the tug of God drawing him to Christ. Peter knew he needed to be clean before Jesus, and he tried to make himself that way. Nonetheless, he straightway went to Jesus. That is why he jumped into the water. He left the miraculous catch of fish (imagine, a fisherman leaving a miraculous catch behind). He left his friends behind. He jump into the water because nothing else mattered except getting to Jesus. It was through Jesus that Peter found forgiveness and restoration. What he could not do for himself, Jesus did as they walked along the beach after breakfast. His filthy inadequate rags were replaced with a robe of righteousness through Jesus.

Beloved, let us cease our attempts clothe ourselves and straightway go to Jesus that He may cloth us in His righteousness. Only then can we be clean before our Lord and be fit for the Master's use. "Look, it is the Lord!"

Keep Close To Jesus
Pastor Gerry


A Pause To Ponder God's Word is written and distributed by Gerald Whetstone, Ordained Elder and teacher in the Church of the Nazarene. These devotionals may be transmitted, duplicated, used in part or in entirety without permission for nonprofit purposes only. Responses welcome. To Subscribe Click Here.
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