Stain Removal
I have been known to leave an ink pen in my pocket and then it goes through the washing machine cycle and then the clothes dryer where it spreads the ink to other clothes leaving ink stains all over the place. Recently, my youngest son did the same thing with Lip Balm and it left an oily stain on many of my clothes. My wife studies Pinterest and looks for remedies for stain removal. We have purchased many types of cleaners and chemicals that are designed to remove stains. There are some stains that simply can’t be removed. Some of my nice dress shirts became “work in the yard” shirts after being stained.
When I reflect on my life journey, I’m reminded that my life has some pretty significant “stains” on it. I’ve made stupid decisions in the past that left a scar on my soul. I’ve been forgiven, for sure, but the consequences or remnants of that sin often remain. I was reminded this morning of Jesus removes more than the stain of sin – He eradicates the sin itself. Check this out…
But now he has appeared one time, at the end of the ages, for the removal of sin by the sacrifice of himself. 27 And just as it is appointed for people to die once—and after this, judgment— 28 so also Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. (Hebrews 9:26b-28 CSB)
I’m reminded of His purpose here on earth was to restore mankind to the Father. Jesus made a way to have direct access to God. There was no longer a need for a temple made with hands, the Lord now dwells in the hearts of those who’ve accepted Him as their Lord & Savior. He also removes the stain of sin from my soul. He doesn’t leave evidence of my sin, and He helps me navigate the consequences of my sin. I’m so thankful that my heart has been washed clean and that He scrubbed my soul with His righteous life.
As I check my shirts and pants for stains today, I’m thankful that my outer wear is not “covering up” a stained soul. I want to be “stain free” from the inside of my heart to outside of my whole body and being. I’m forgiven. I’m saved. I’m redeemed by the Stain Remover – Jesus!
Pressing On!
Dwayne