Washed Cleaned | Jan. 27th

 “We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away.”

   Isaiah 64:5

   With the recent cold weather and the festivity of a family gathering, there was a fire in the hearth. As I reflect on this, I notice what remains in the fireplace: ash and black char, waiting to be swept up and discarded. In much the same way, we treat all dirt, dust, and filth. Throwing out soiled food and stained garments without hesitation. We discard all that is pungent, broken, and deteriorating.

  In contrast to how we cast away what is soiled, beloved, let us be grateful that the broom of God’s wrath has not swept us away. He has not disposed of us because of our sinful decay and brokenness. Rather, God, through mercy, has not given us what we deserve, wrath, but by grace has given us what we do not deserve, salvation.

  This grace changes everything. If we are in Christ today, we are a brand-new creation, reconciled with God and filled with the Holy Spirit. We are grafted into the vine, Christ, where we live in Him and have a hope for today.

  As you clean your face this morning, tidy up the kitchen, or wash your clothes, let these acts serve as reminders to reflect on the condition of your heart. Thank the Lord that He has taken your heart of stone and made it flesh. Request the Holy Spirit to continue to renew your heart and keep you close to the Father. The stains and guilt of sin are gone in Jesus.

In Christ Alone.

Pastor Wight