My daily shower is a must. A habit of cleanliness. Actually, the only ones missed were when I was in the hospital a few years back. Otherwise, I need that everyday spotless feeling from head to toe.

Spiritually, we need God’s cleansing power even more so. He’s Mr. Clean par excellence. The old hymn asks, ‘Have you been washed in the blood, in the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb?’ A strange image, when you first hear this. Somewhat off-putting and bizarre. Washed by blood?

But when you realize what it cost God to disinfect us of sin and make us right with Him, then the fog clears. Jesus loves us so much that He’s willing to shed His very blood and die on the cross to make us His own. Clean as a whistle. Pure as the driven snow. Spotless, forgiven, and, best of all, a member of God’s family.

In the Old Testament book of Zechariah, chapter 3, we see the High Priest of the Temple. He’s not dressed in amazing, eye-catching, and immaculate garb. On the contrary–‘ Now Joshua (the High Priest) was…clothed in filthy garments’ (v. 3). Cruddy. Mucky. Grungy and yucky. What a sight. And this is the High Priest, no less?

Now I’m no High Priest, but on the inside, I resemble the one in Zechariah, much to my shame. Sin has wreaked havoc in my life, most willingly. Some due to others, but the vast majority lie in my column.

So, what’s our escape route? Is there a way to get free from the mess we’re in? Of course, it’s Jesus. What He did on the cross. The love and forgiveness He passes our way if we’d only seek Him out, ask, and believe in Him. He has so much to give. And the longer you’re a follower of Jesus, the more you come to appreciate His goodness and faithfulness. For Jesus is our hope. There is no other. We need no other.

Later in Zechariah 3, we read about when sin is wiped away once for all. Hear what’s said–‘…and I will remove the iniquity of this land in a single day’ (v. 9). A single day? Can you imagine? When was that? The day Jesus died on the cross. That very day. To take away our sins. Forever. What a day!

Let’s thank Him all this week. By the way, it’s now my shower time!

Thank you, Jesus, for all you’ve done for me on the cross. Amen.