Faithful on Fridays Blog

Let’s discuss the infamous coat of ‘many colors’ which becomes a point of contention in the family. In Hebrew it’s better described as a long-sleeved, full-length robe that’s laid across the shoulders indicating authority, but if you dig a little deeper this robe indicates being clothed with abundance or plenty. Was it colorful? Undoubtedly, but more importantly, it was Jacob declaring Joseph’s authority over his family. God wanted to speak prophetically through Jacob and used this robe to seal the deal. Regardless of Joseph’s age, residence, or position in society, God has spoken; he’ll possess authority and abundance in life. 

Biblical robes are a fascinating study; they’re clothing one ’puts on’, consequently, we find them worn by kings, priests, warriors, and saints. They’re fashion statements that declare, “I have authority. I have abundance.” That’s what God was proclaiming to His covenant people to encourage them, not to provoke jealousy, since He knew what was ahead for them. This prophetic robe only spoke to the brothers of favoritism that led to hatred. 

Lest you think too harshly of the brothers, is there someone you think has God’s favor more than you? Everything goes right for them and not for you? It’s like they lead a ‘charmed life’, and yet you’re experiencing suffering?

It may help to remember that you also wear an invisible, spiritual robe which also says, “I have authority. I have abundance.” It’s called the robe of righteousness and the robe of salvation.

Righteousness covered me like a robe … Job 29:14a

He has clothed me with the garments of salvation; He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. Isaiah 61:10b

That’s our robe of ‘many colors’, many ways that God prophetically speaks about us. We’ve put on our robe of righteousness and salvation making a statement of authority and abundance.

For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Galatians 3:27

But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires. Romans 13:14

… and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

Ephesians 4:24

Knowing we wear a spiritual robe of many colors doesn’t breed arrogance, but reminds us that God has prophetically spoken through Christ declaring His authority over the devil and his strategies. We have abundance in life, not necessarily a hefty bank account, but every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places (Eph. 1:3-14): chosen, holy, blameless, predestined, adopted, redeemed … look it up and finish the list. The robe your wear also looks like spiritual armor.

… put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Ephesians 6:13a 

Our promise of authority and abundance reminds us that we’re overcomers through Jesus: Nike people.