August 17

“And it was given unto her that she should array herself in fine linen, bright and pure.” Revelation 19:8

We have nothing of which we can boast. From outside to inside there is nothing which is entirely pure. The more we know ourselves, the more we realize how filthy we are; our best deeds and our best intentions are mixed with impurity. Without the cleansing of the blood, it is impossible to be white.

The garments here, however, are not only white but bright or shining. Whiteness alone has a tendency to become dull, pale, and ordinary. So it is possible for us to be good and yet to lack divine luster.

God’s desire for us is that we should be both pure and bright. Now we shall find that tribulation and glory are often linked in Scripture, and it was because of the suffering of death that Jesus was crowned with glory and honor. We must therefore not be afraid of affliction. It is the days of difficulty which make us shine.