by Darcia Kunkel

Washed In the Blood of Jesus.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

 “Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.”
Psalm 51:7, New International Version

I am not a germaphobe, but often buy hand soap, and dish soap, that claims to kill 99.9 percent of bacteria. Somehow, I feel more protected if I am washing with a detergent that will rid me, and my family, of illness-causing microbes.

Does it work? Not always, but at least I try to shield myself from infection. We often go to great lengths to insulate ourselves from sickness and disease. We wear masks, wash our hands, use sanitizers, take vitamins, and stay current on all of our vaccines. Despite our human efforts, we often still get sick.

Why do we often treat the physical aspects of our life while neglecting the spiritual ones? When sin, hopelessness, and despair creep into our lives, making us feel unclean and unworthy, where do we turn?

Remember the old saying “Cleanliness is next to Godliness?” It is rumored to have originated from a 1778 sermon by John Wesley, but the idea of purity also has a biblical origination. The Old Testament is filled with descriptions, and laws, for what is unclean versus what is clean. Certain animals were seen as clean or unclean. Unblemished animals were offered as atonement sacrifices, and herbs and plants, such as hyssop, were used in purifying rituals.

How awesome to know that God sent his son, Jesus Christ, so that we may be washed of our sin. His blood provided the ultimate sacrifice and atonement for our uncleanliness. Lord, may I always be reminded that you see me as unblemished, and pure, through your son’s eyes.

“And such were some of you. But you were washed, you were sanctified,
you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.”
I Corinthians 6:11, English Standard Version

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado