Beautiful Batik

This photo was taken in Jambi, Sumatra. This woman is painting hot wax onto fabric to create a pattern. Next, she will dye the fabric. In the dying process the pattern becomes more distinct as the dye will not adhere to the fabric that has the wax on it. When the dyeing process is completed the fabric will then be made into formal clothing for weddings and other special occasions. The fabric is also used for shawls, table clothes, and wall hangings. This art form is called batik [ba-TEEK].

Batik is popular all over Southeast Asia, and was first developed on Java, Indonesia. The origin of the word “batik” is Javanese and means “painted.” Many areas have their own distinctive pattern of batik. It’s not unusual to see husband and wife wearing matching batik during festive times. It’s often considered appropriate to wear batik when preaching in a Sumatran church or while giving a formal speech in public.

In Matthew 22 there is a story of a King who gave a great banquet. All kinds of people were invited to come. When the banquet hall was finally full the King entered and noticed a man who was not properly clothed. He questioned the man, and when the man had no response the King had him bound and thrown out. So it will be on the last day for all the Sumatrans who will stand before the Great King clothed in anything other than Christ’s righteousness.

“Then the king said to the attendants, ‘Bind him hand and foot and cast him into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth’” (Matthew 22:13, ESV).

Pray that every person on Sumatra will have the opportunity to hear the Gospel so that they may be clothed in Christ.

Pray that all the righteousness of religious traditions and good works will be shown to be as filthy rags compared to the righteousness that in given by faith in Jesus.

Pray for Sumatran church goers who are trusting in good works and church attendance to realize the difference between religion and true faith in Jesus Christ.