DRESSED WITH HUMILITY

The Bible speaks of dressing ourselves with humility--Colossians 3:12, and

1Peter 5:5-6.

Proverbs 3:34, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

In Biblical times, the prophets and the kings were known to dress in burlap or sack cloth, an outward sign of grieving because of their sin and the sins of their people.

Sack cloth is made from raffia while burlap is made from canvas, a coarse fabric. A person who was seeking forgiveness of sin would wear a piece of shapeless garment made out of raffia, or canvas; throw ash on the head, mourn by fasting and praying.

The Ibibio people of South-eastern Nigeria, were known for their raffia products, one of the most commonly sourced materials in the region, because of the abundance of palm trees. Palm tree was useful as it provided material for a variety of food and decorative products.

It was a good source of income for a family. The uses varied, source of palm oil, palm wine, making of soap, kernel oil for moisturising, roofing sheets and decorative artworks.

When dried, the raffia was dyed and woven into thin sheets of material, and used in the making of hats, bags and skirts for girls and women.

In 1Chronicles 21:1-17, after David had been tempted by Satan to carry out census on Israel, God sent Gad, the seer; to inform him He was displeased with his action. As a sign that he acknowledged his sin, David dressed in burlap and prayed for forgiveness. When prophet Gad informed him of God's decision, that he should choose his punishment, David answered, "I'm in a desperate situation! But let me fall into the hands of the LORD, for His mercy is very great. Do not let me fall into human hands." He left the decision to God.

Also in Isaiah 22:1-12, the prophet received a message from the LORD, that called the people of Jerusalem to weep and mourn, and to wear burlap, because of the destruction that was to come upon the city for their sin.

Another prophet, Jeremiah, known as a 'weeping prophet,' foresaw terrible things that made him lament for his people.

In Lamentations 2:1, he said, "The LORD in His anger has cast a dark shadow over beautiful Jerusalem..."

#Fast and pray

As we approach Easter, it's necessary to reflect on the challenges our world is facing, and bring everything to God in prayer, clothing ourselves with humility.

Many young people around the world, are suffering from poor mental and physical health. It is our responsibility to show we are with them, by fasting and praying that the LORD would heal, touch and set free those oppressed.

Our leaders, also desperately need our prayers. May the LORD grant them wisdom to seek Him for guidance as they perform their duty, that it would be with understanding hearts and love for the people.

Therefore, let's tear our hearts, not our clothes as we seek the LORD; and pray that He remembers His promise to be with us even to the End of the Age. We need His direction as we face troublesome times ahead.

Even as Jesus put on human flesh, though the Creator, humbled Himself, and died the death of a criminal, we must do the same, giving ourselves to do good. It was love that made Him humble Himself, surrendered unto death on the Cross--Philippians 2:5-7.

If Jesus could do this for us, we ought to submit ourselves to God, with humility and be used by Him to shine His light in this hour of need.

"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for friends" [John 15:13].