Lesson 344: “Deep Cleaning"
The carpet cleaners came to my house today and salvaged what I thought would have to be thrown into the pit and burned. You see I chose a carpet much too light to be used in a kitchen. Especially MY kitchen! I was reprimanded by others and even got onto myself every time I was on my knees scrubbing out the stains. I tried to keep it spotless but to no avail and all the joy of having new carpet quickly faded and was replaced by resentment and anger.
There is a life’s lesson to be learned even from dirty carpet. The most important one being the choice of salvation, knowing that we are all but filthy rags in the sight of God. “All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags” (Isa. 64:6). Humbling ourselves in the presence of God and realizing that we cannot “clean” ourselves will keep us from waiting until we are “good enough” to come into the Kingdom of God. “There is only One who is good” (Matt. 19:17) and that is God Himself! Just like trying to clean the carpet, wearing yourself out but still missing most of the dirt, no one can enter the Kingdom on their own “elbow grease”. Making the choice to live for God can only be done after the “Steam Cleaner” has come into your life. We are born into sin and only the Blood of Jesus can make us white and spotless. “I will cleanse you from all your impurities” (Ezek. 36:25).
It was painful for me to scrub my soiled carpet but as I stood and watched the professional it appeared effortless. Give ALL your dirty linens to God and stand amazed at the ease in which He can clean out all the filth that has accumulated over the years. Allow God to clothe you with garments of salvation and the robe of righteousness (Isa. 61:10). Never forget that Satan stands along side the Angel of the Lord accusing you of wearing filthy rags just like he did Joshua. But the Angel said to Joshua and to you; “take off these filthy clothes (sin) and I will put rich garments on you” (Zech. 3:1-5).
The cleanliness of one means something to God! “He who overcomes will be dressed in white and I will never blot out his name from the book of life” (Rev. 3:5). The “clean ones” will not have to be thrown into the pit and burned like worn out carpet (Rev. 20:15). Stop spinning your wheels trying to wash the dirt out of you life on your own strength. “The Lord is my strength and my song” (Ex. 15:2) and only through His strength can I do any and everything (Phil. 4:13).
I stand amazed in the presence of Jesus the Nazarene, and wonder how He could love me, a sinner condemned unclean. How marvelous, how wonderful is my Savior’s love for me!