Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore, let us go forth to him outside the camp, bearing his reproach. For we have no continuing city here, but we seek one to come.
Select a thought to read by choosing a collection, the month, and then the day:
Lay on me the clothes of an ordinary man
O God! We must return to dust,
and all that will remain of us
are bits of paper signed and sealed
and memories of work and weal.
And even they are altered soon,
the way a morning turns to noon.
For God alone inscribes the line
in His great Book of what is mine.
Lay on me the clothes of an ordinary man,
and let me rest beneath some tree,
an untouched stone to mark the place
and flowers where I used to be.
And reputations, foul or fine,
survive but just a little time
beyond the bodies that they bore,
beyond the hearts they blessed or tore.
In the end, it’s only mine
what God in perfect judgment finds.
Lay on me the clothes of an ordinary man,
and view me clearly if you can.
I was foolish; I was wise;
but both at once to knowing eyes.
For how I went or how I came,
there’ll be but one to praise or blame.
And when the answer must be given,
when our lives are judged in heaven,
only words that Christ will choose,
will be the truth ’bout me and you.