What, then, shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather, according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” (Romans 4: 1-3, ESV)
I can dream with the best of them! Yet, I’ve never dreamed or daydreamed of donning The Green Jacket. If I ever do, I’ll wake up grinning like a “mule eating briars.”
Of all the many ways golf recognizes its champions, the Green Jacket Ceremony in Butler Cabin is, in this author’s mind, the pinnacle of award ceremonies.
I can close my eyes and see years and years of past champions sliding their arms—sometimes awkwardly— into the sleeves of a 42 Regular or, in the case of Ian Woosnam, perhaps a 38 Short.
As is well known, more than a few tournaments clad their champions in ceremonial blazers. The winner at Hilton Head slips into a much-deserved Tartan Heritage Plaid. As significant as that is, it isn’t “Pantone 342” – The Masters’ shade of green.
All these jackets (green, tartan, or otherwise) signify that one player has overcome obstacles, rebounded from setbacks, managed his nerves, and risen to the occasion by going lower than the rest of the field. In each case, the recipient is deserving.
Tracing the theme of various characters being clothed in garments throughout Scripture is a treasure trove of meaning and encouragement. Each episode points to Jesus Christ, who clothes us in the underserved garments of righteousness, sonship, and royal vestments in exchange for faith.
Instead of punishing Adam and Eve for rebellion emerging from the soil of their distrust, God sacrificed an animal in their place and clothed their nakedness and shame with the hides of a slain animal—pointing forward to Jesus, who would shed his blood and atone (cover) our sin.
Because Joseph was God’s chosen instrument to preserve the Egyptian empire and his family, Jacob clothed him in a “coat of many colors”—yet another clue prefiguring Jesus, who would be clothed in the royal robes of a King to rescue and rule over his brothers and sisters.
The Prodigal Son is a parable of a rebellious son returning to his father after squandering his inheritance. Rather than rejecting him, the father brings out the “best robe” and clothes him. This robe signifies undeserved reconciliation given in exchange for those who give their life to Jesus in faith.
In Zechariah, we see Joshua, the High Priest, standing before God in filthy robes, with Satan accusing him. The Angel of the Lord (probably Jesus) commands the other angels to remove the filthy garments and clothe him with a festive robe (Zechariah 3:1-4). In this poignant scene, we see the removal of filthy garments (iniquity), and Joshua clothed with the underserved robe of righteousness.
These stories, visions, and parables vividly illustrate Paul’s argument in Romans four: In exchange for trusting Jesus, God counts us righteous. That is, he doesn’t merely remove our filth and leave us naked and ashamed before his holy Tribunal; he clothes us in the garments of righteousness.
God sovereignly determines who the mediator between God and sinful men will be—“the man Christ Jesus.” He sovereignly determines the manner by which we are reconciled—the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. And he sovereignly determines the means by which we receive forgiveness and the gift of righteousness, “faith alone in Jesus Christ!”
Wearing “The Green Jacket” would be extraordinary, but to don the robe of righteousness earned by Jesus and received by faith makes suits crafted by Armani, Brioni, Hickey Freeman, and Zegna look like tattered dish rags.
Prayer: Jesus! We worship and adore you!