Ralph Lauren-branded clothing is as iconic to America as Mom, apple pie, and Chevrolet. Even people who’ve not worn his fashions are aware of who the man is. Not only does he do clothing, but we can find his name on furniture, bedding, perfume, paint, and eyewear.
How did Ralph Lauren become America’s go-to guy? Time and experience. In 1966, working as a salesman, he designed a man’s tie. He sold them to small shops in New York, getting his first big client, Neiman Marcus, the luxury retailer, later that year. Suddenly, he was launched into the stratosphere.
Ralph Lauren products have a well-deserved reputation for excellence. We pay more for them, but they last longer and look better after repeated use than similar-looking items sold elsewhere at lower cost. Pay through the nose for a Ralph Lauren shirt today, and it will outwear three of the lesser sort.
Christ is our go-to guy for our spiritual clothing. He started, however, as a baby in a manger. He then shared his message with a small group of men called his disciples. He kept things local, pursuing the little guy, just getting his product out there.
Then he got his big break. The Jewish leaders got wind of how well his product worked; the Roman overlords got involved; and it took no time at all for the salvation Jesus offered to go nationwide. People even showed up for his grand reopening when the door to the tomb was rolled away.
Today, we can wear Jesus draped across our shoulders, wrapped around our mid-section, and flowing past our ankles. Read of his sales offering in John 14:6:
“Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’ ”
Some people might decry the price of following the Savior, that it costs us everything. Yet, just as with Ralph Lauren products, we get what we pay for. Jesus will wear well, lasting longer and looking better after repeated use than any other lifestyle out there.
Isaiah 61:10 showcases our experience with Jesus in shimmering runway perfection:
“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”
Who wouldn’t think it a good deal to purchase the best we can put our hands on? That’s Jesus, and the wonderful thing? When we wear his beautifully crafted salvation on our shoulders, we become magnificent, as well.
Salvation is a well-crafted suit. It fits perfectly in every way possible.
Copyright © 2016 MyChurchNotes.net
Code: FGO.C.01.16.vp.esv