Dress According: The Call to Holiness and Righteousness

The ACK Diocese of Kirinyaga gathered to hear a powerful message based on Matthew 22 focusing on the importance of wearing the “right dress” for the kingdom of God. The sermon, delivered by Bishop Rt. Rev Bishop Joseph Kibucwa, emphasized the spiritual significance of holiness and righteousness as the true attire for Christians.

Key Sermon Highlights:

1. The Wedding Invitation

• In the parable, a king sends out wedding invitations for his son’s marriage. However, the honored guests refuse to attend, angering the king.
• He then extends the invitation to commoners, who accept and attend in large numbers, demonstrating that God’s kingdom is open to all who respond to His call.

2. The Question of Dress Code

• As the king welcomes his guests, he notices one individual without proper attire. He questions the man, who remains speechless, and orders his removal from the celebration.
• The Bishop highlighted that the “dress” symbolizes our spiritual state—one must be clothed appropriately to be a part of God’s kingdom. This isn’t about physical clothing but rather the “inner dress” of Jesus Christ.

3. What is the Dress of Jesus?

• The “dress” represents holiness and righteousness, qualities that every believer must embody.
• The Bishop quoted Paul’s exhortation to the Galatians and Ephesians (Ephesians 4:29-32), emphasizing that believers should rid themselves of bitterness, anger, and malice. Instead, they should be kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving, just as Christ has forgiven us. This is the true wedding dress—the attire of the heart that reflects holiness.

The Call to Righteousness

• The Bishop encouraged the congregation, including seven parish candidates from the Gacharu Deanery who were confirmed with the assistance of Emeritus Bishop Munene, to shun worldly desires and clothe themselves in the righteousness and holiness of Christ.
• He urged all Christians to uphold this spiritual dress code, which aligns with God’s standards and has no law against it.

Conclusion:

The message served as a powerful reminder that God invites everyone to His kingdom, but we must respond with the right attire—one that reflects a heart transformed by Christ. The call is to wear the “dress of Jesus,” adorned with holiness, righteousness, and love, to ensure we remain welcome in the eternal celebration of God’s kingdom.