Shedding Layers (part 1)

“Then Simon Peter came along behind him and went straight into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, as well as the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’ head…” John 20:6-7.

I have been pondering the strips of linen left lying in the tomb – wrapped around Jesus’ body they represent death, left lying on the floor they represent life.

Shedding isn’t foreign in the animal world. Animals shed or molt skin, feathers or shells, from time to time. It’s natures way of casting off outer layers that are no longer necessary. Some animals shed their skin to allow for growth. If restricted, they simply cannot grow.

Birds molt their feathers to get rid of what has been damaged. As the broken feathers molt, there is room for new ones to take their place. Damaged feathers don’t rejuvenate and nature knows that broken feathers can’t take flight.

Whatever kicks off shedding, be it changes in season, damage to layers, or the need for growth, nature seems intentional about making sure animals aren’t encumbered by unnecessary layers.

We should be like that too, intentional about shedding the unwanted layers that accumulate. Over time, they will weigh us down. 

Identifying them can be tricky. Some of these layers have been interwoven into our fiber for a long time. They can be so familiar to us that we don’t even recognize them as “broken feathers” or “old skin.”

Humility is an essential ingredient needed as we approach the Lord and ask for revelation. If we seek, we will find a new awareness that begins to emerge, a deeper perspective into what lies within. 

Lord, show me where I have accumulated these layers. Maybe layers of self-protection, callousness, unforgiveness, resentment, maybe self-righteousness and pride, to name a few. Show me where I may have responded to hurt, disappointment, betrayal, and other wounds by accumulating layer upon layer.

It is difficult to grow, if I am not willing to have the old linens stripped away.

Part 2 – “Unwrapped”