The Principal's Son's Surprise

The young underclassman could not believe what just happened. He knew he and his friend were tight; but not THIS tight. Sure, the two of them shared a kindred spirit of adventure; but he, from an insignificant family, could never have expected THIS from a celebrated upperclassman who also happened to be the principal's son. Yes, there had been the time his friend stood up for him when the principal wanted to expel him. That was cool. But this?

With arms extended, David stared at Jonathan's lettered jersey and the belt which would hold the sword now lying on top of the shield at his feet. Jonathan had not simply removed the items. He had disowned them, given them away, stepped away from them; and in so doing he raised David to his social level and endorsed him for Student Council president. The principal would NOT be happy; but Jonathan knew this was the right thing to do.

It is stepping away from something which captures the imagery of "put off" in some significant directives in the New Testament. When we trust Christ as Lord and Savior, we surrender our claim to our own kingdom and step away from the things which were part of our royal wardrobe. The list is significant: anger, wrath, malice, slander, abusive speech, lying - a manner of life filled with deceitful lusts.

Receiving Christ also has to do with replacement - putting on, settling into a new wardrobe of privilege and responsibility in His Kingdom. While Jonathan exemplifies stepping away from personal rights; the prodigal son highlights settling into the wardrobe of undeserved grace. 

Jesus does not call us to hang up the clothes of our old self rule. He bids us step away from them and settle into the wardrobe of peace with God in an atmosphere of grace.