MOMMA SAID…

“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7 New King James Version)

It is a Monday morning. A little boy is sitting at the kitchen table waiting for his momma to bring him his breakfast before he begins his eight block walk to school. Momma, she is wearing her duster, a cotton robe, her daily attire that has survived years. Regardless of the season of the year, she wore that duster all day. The only exception being when she has to leave the house. The little boy had probably been wanting to ask his momma an invasive inquiry for years. He usually restrained himself out of respect and said nothing. But on this particular Monday morning, he was finally bold enough to pose the question. Before I tell you what momma said, let me tell you what the little boy said. He says, “Momma, yesterday, when you went to church you wore a pretty dress, matching shoes, and your best jewelry. When you go out to the store or come to the school for PTA meetings, you wear nice clothes. So why do you wear that old duster every day?”

Momma starts to laugh and continues to laugh until tears come out of her eyes and race down her cheeks. She is holding her chest as if she is trying to control her laughter. Finally, momma answers. This is what momma said. “Yes, son, yesterday I wore what was appropriate for the occasion. I always wear my best on Sunday, and if I have to go out during the week, I wear clothes that are suitable for the place I’m going.” The little boy continues eating, apparently satisfied with momma’s response. But momma was not finished. She continues. Momma said, “Just in case you want to know why I dress like I do on Sunday, let me explain. First of all, God gave us His best when He sent His only begotten Son to save us. (Preach, momma!) Second, The Son always wears what is appropriate for the occasion. (Amen, momma!) In heaven, He surely was adorned in glory! Yet, when He was born in a manger, He took on flesh and dwelt among us. When He carried out His work on earth, He dressed in a humble manner, revealing His humility, reflecting meekness, and really displaying that He was a different kind of king than what the people had long awaited. When He went on a mountain with Peter, James, and John, He put on some of His glory as He talked with Moses and Elijah.” (Pass a speaker’s tray for momma!) The little boy says, “Thanks for telling me, momma.”  Momma looks at the little boy and tells him, “I’m not finished. Listen!’” She continues preaching, I mean talking. This is what else momma said. “When Jesus went to the cross to die for our sins, He wore a wounded, beaten frame and a crown of thorns was on His head, and was almost stripped naked. But that is not all He wore. He had all our sins on Him, satisfying the debt of sin we owed.” Again, the little boy says, “Thanks for telling me, momma.” Guess what? Momma is not done! Momma said, “Jesus arose from the grave, and after 40 days appearing to others, He presented us with proof that we serve a risen Savior. He ascended back to heaven. And He is coming back again. This time, He will be clothed in a robe dipped in blood. Son, do you hear what I am saying? Let me make sure you get my point. You see, I’m trying to tell you that Jesus, the best thing that ever happened to me, dressed appropriately for every occasion. That’s why I wear my best on Sunday. Remember all these words son.” Remember what momma said.

My last words for you on this Monday morning: You should remember what momma said too! Be blessed!

“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” (Revelation 21:11-16 New King James Version)

Committed to the climb,

Mark L. King