by Kala Loptien

Blotting Out Errors

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“Hide your face from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities.”
Psalm 51:9 English Standard Version 

I took on a subbing stint at our daughter’s school recently. The position floated from lower elementary in the morning, to middle school grading in the afternoons. I often return home recalling the funny one-liners that the Kinder kids say and questions from inquisitive third-grade girls. I was tasked with grading math worksheets one afternoon; but had marked some problems unnecessarily. I needed to correct my own errors and clean up the grade area. I headed to retrieve some white-out (or wite-out, according to BIC). As I carefully blotted out the mess I made, I couldn’t help but notice how vibrant the new, white paint looked against the paper. It was clear something had been covered.

“I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you.”
Isaiah 44:22 English Standard Version 

Immediately, my mind wandered to the blotting out of transgressions. Here, we have this report card of sorts. A laundry list of all our errors–egregious, known and unknown. We are far from proud, perhaps even ashamed. But, wait. Look again. No longer do those big, red marks stain the page. Instead, a bright white covering is all that is seen. When God draws the believing heart to grace through faith in Christ, everything changes. Imputed righteousness. A grade that wasn’t earned but was transferred. Our transgressions were erased/blotted out/white as snow. With His wounds; we are set free, justified.

We are no longer shackled by the shame of what our previous report cards show. We can live as those redeemed by a good Father who loves His dear children, who stopped at nothing to reconcile us to Himself. When He looks at us, He sees a perfect score; because He sees Jesus. Keeping that kind of perspective at the forefront — God’s gift of grace and the faith He instills — we can live out the rest of our days in hope-filled, humble service.

Copyright Family of Christ Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado