Greetings in Christ,
When do we consider something clean? If it is laundry, do we consider how it looks, feels, and smells. If it a kitchen counter top, must it sparkle with no residue. If it is carpet, the carpet must have a just vacuumed look leaving the carpet strands standing at attention. If it is a car, it must have a shine which will blind you if you do not have sunglasses on. Whatever the case may be, we have different levels and ideas of what we think determines something to be clean. There is a lot of times we do not stop cleaning until this level or idea is met with our expectations, but how well do we keep our souls clean?
We are inundated everyday with the world’s desires through many channels. They bombard us from every direction and from many different forms overwhelming us with the thoughts it is ok to do something contrary to our beliefs on a daily basis. The abnormal becomes the normal and we fit right in with the world in many ways. What used to be considered not acceptable now is the everyday norm. We have diluted our Christianity on many levels to the point it has become lukewarm.
God calls us to live on a level which is acceptable to Him. If we want to be in His presence, we need to make sure there is nothing separating us from Him. God cannot be associated with anything sinful. The Hebrew author writes about how Moses was fearful to go onto Mount Sinai. He did not want to face God’s judgment. “For they could not bear the command, if even a beast touches the mountain, it will be stoned. And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I am full of fear and trembling.” Moses knew in his own mind and heart he was unworthy to approach Mount Sinai.
Now if Moses felt unclean, how do we measure up? We all are unworthy to stand before God Almighty. It is only through God’s grace we can even ask for forgiveness. It is in the forgiveness we can approach the throne to kneel before God Himself. We must go further in our spiritual growth realizing we must have the infilling of the Holy Spirit in our lives Who will help us to be righteous before God. The Holy Spirit keeps us in check on the things which are unclean and makes us unworthy to approach the throne. The Holy Spirit is constantly cleaning out those hidden areas of our heart and soul to rid us of those unclean thoughts and actions. The Holy Spirit is constantly molding us into the reflection of God Himself. The Holy Spirit is like the scrubbing bubbles which keep working after its application cleaning away at the dirty areas.
Jesus paid the price for us to be able to ask for forgiveness. It is through Jesus’ gift God’s grace has been given to us. God’s unmerited favor has been given to us so we can call Him Father and stand before Him. It is His grace which allows us to cling to Him and have a firm foundation. It is through God’s grace we can be in His presence without fear. It is through God’s grace we have the Holy Spirit to guide us in our lives and help keep us acceptable in God’s sight without fear of judgment.
“O God, Thou art my God; I shall seek Thee earnestly; my soul thirsts for Thee, my flesh yearns for Thee, in a dry and weary land where there is no water. Thus I have beheld Thee in the sanctuary, to see Thy power and Thy glory. Because Thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips will praise Thee. So I will bless Thee as long as I live; I will lift up my hands in Thy name. My soul is satisfied as with marrow and fatness, and my mouth offers praises with joyful lips.” Psalms 63:1-5
“Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; break forth and sing for joy and sing praises. Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre; with the lyre and the sound of melody. With trumpets and the sound of the horn shout joyfully before the King, the Lord.” Psalms 98:4-6
“Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities; Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit; Who crowns you with lovingkindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle.” Psalms 103:1-5
Lord fill us with You Holy Spirit so we will be acceptable in Your sight. May the Holy Spirit mold us into the reflection of You. Amen
Blessings,
Mark Johnson
Psalm 63, 98, 103; Isaiah 13:6-13; Hebrews 12:18-29; John 3:22-30