When I was a child, we had a pastor who would often use object lessons to bring home the point of his sermons. One of my favorite messages was what I called “the test tube sermon.” Pastor Voss would hold up a test tube and fill it with clear liquid. “This” he would say, “symbolizes how transparent and clean we were when God created man.” Man was pure, transparent, and without sin. Then he would drop a dark color into that clear liquid and would tell us that it symbolized what happened when sin entered the world. I would watch transfixed as the test tube became dark and murky.
What I appreciate now, is that Pastor Voss never left the test tube dark. He would tell of the Jesus’ death on Calvary and of the Resurrection that followed. He would explain that through Christ’s death and Resurrection Jesus overcame sin, death, and the power of the devil. And that as followers of Christ, we shared in that victory. And as he spoke of our sharing in Christ’s victory, he would drop another liquid into that darkened test tube. Like magic, the liquid in that test tube would return to its purity and transparency.
Because we share in Christ’s death and Resurrection, we too have been restored to a place of purity and transparency—a place of holiness—before God.
I remembered that object lesson this week, as I prepare for Holy Week, Good Friday, and Easter. I have thought about that demonstration of annihilating the darkened color in that test tube as I think about what Christ’s death and Resurrection mean to me.
“He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.
For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
So great is His lovingkindness toward those who fear Him.
As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us” Psalm 103:10-12
God does not deal with us according to our sins—past or present. They are annihilated through the blood spilled on Calvary. Because of God’s sacrifice of love (John 3:16) our relationship with God has been fully restored.
Whenever I need to correct an element in a painting, I paint over the mistake with white paint. That allows me to correct what needs correcting. Unlike white paint which covers up, the blood of Jesus bleaches out my past mistakes. I do not need to cover up my sins. I am given a fresh start which allows me to walk in a close relationship with God.
It means I can sit and ponder, pray, and learn from Him.
It means I can share my struggles with Him.
It means I can cry on His shoulder or just sit in His Presence.
The prophet Isaiah knew what it was like to spend time with the Lord.
“‘Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the Lord,
“Though your sins are as scarlet,
They will be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They will be like wool.’” Isaiah 1:18
Isaiah knew what it was like to reason with God because he was in relationship with God. Isaiah did not, however, live with the benefit of knowing the coming Messiah whose sacrifice and victory bleached our scarlet sins so that in the Father’s eyes we are as pure as snow and wool.
You are free to live in victory Dear One! Your past is in the past. It hasn’t been covered up, it has been bleached clean by the whitest, strongest light of the One who loves you enough to sacrifice His son in order to be restored to a close relationship with you.
Accept God’s invitation to be with Him. Schedule and take time to reason with Him, even as you prepare for the upcoming holiday.
What would you like to share with Him today?
- Gratitude for His gift of salvation.
- Encouragement for the steps ahead.
- Thanksgiving that through Christ’s sacrifice your past does not have to affect your present.
- Awe at His unconditional unfailing love for you.
- Guidance for health concerns.
Whatever you want to share or need, God has time for you.
He’s waiting to hear from you.