04/23/2026
Though the calendar tells us we are a full month into Spring, the start of this week brought some leftover temps from the previous season. I found myself glad that I hadn't yet packed up my winter bathrobe. By rights, I probably shouldn't even bother packing it to wear later when we set up house somewhere else. I ought to go ahead and pitch it at this point. I've had it for many years and it shows. As I was donning it again this week, I took a moment to more carefully examine it. The terry cloth fabric is pulled and frayed and looks a bit like blue s**g carpet. There's a small hole in the pocket and a rip or two along the seams. But, on the other hand, it is very comfy and it does keep me warm.
As I was noticing the (very) many imperfections and signs of wear, I got to thinking that my old well-loved robe could serve as a bit of a metaphor for the Christian life. In the 53rd chapter of the book of the prophet Isiah, the author speaks about a "suffering servant" who would deliver His people, and near the outset, he tells us: "he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him."
We, who have heard and responded to the call of the one who is the Christ, endeavor to follow both His teachings and His example. The gospel writers paint for us a picture of the Messiah which ran counter to the expectations of the people. In stark contrast to the religious authorities of His day, Jesus was much more "earthy". In life He was much more ordinary, rough around the edges as He consorted with all manner of people, unafraid to get His hands dirty with healing the afflicted, the blind, the lepers. At His death, He "was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed". (Is 53:5). Far from the stuff of Madison Avenue marketing campaigns for products, services, and even people who promise or epitomize fresh, clean, beautiful fantasies.
As for you and I, "Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming 'Wow! What a Ride!'". This quote, attributed to the American author Hunter Thompson can be an apt description of a life the Christian might strive to live if it is given not in service to self, but to the One who gave us this life to begin with. Such a life - a journey - brings joy to God, to others, and (in the process) to self. And may leave you looking a bit bedraggled, like my beloved bathrobe, which I think I'll keep as a reminder.
