Unclean

Lately my mind and my “to do list” have been focused on clean, clean, clean. You see, my house could use a good cleaning from top to bottom. Especially before we drag out all of the Thanksgiving and Christmas decorations and bring in a whole new lot of toys, games and clothes. Since both kids have birthdays near the end of the year and Christmas presents will be coming in soon, it can get to be a bit overwhelming. That’s why it especially struck me when twice this week, once in chapel at school with my kids and then at church, I heard the story of the leper Christ healed. (I have come to realize when I hear something over and over, it is often God trying to get my attention.)

Why did this story jump out at me and what does it have to do with a clean house you ask? It’s because of the word “unclean.” See in Bible times, having leprosy forced you to be exiled from your family and friends. It also meant anytime you were near the vicinity of anyone else you had to yell out “unclean, unclean,” so others would not come into contact with you. Let me tell you, as busy as we have been recently, I feel like anytime someone comes near the vicinity of my home, I need to call out “unclean, unclean.”

But lately, “unclean” describes more than the state of my house. It describes the state of my heart. Beside the shower in my bathroom hangs a picture with the verse Psalm 51:10 on it.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”

It’s hanging by my shower to remind me as I wash my physical body each morning to ask God to wash and cleanse my spiritual one as well. Only lately, I’ve been so busy, asking God to cleanse me has gotten pushed to the background. Not coming into God’s presence with a regular devotion time has left me “unclean.” And being “unclean” leaves the door wide open for the accuser to come in and plant lies. He tries to make us believe we aren’t worthy to be around our spiritual family and other believers so we will exile ourselves. He tells us our sin is so great and so obvious that others don’t want to be around us for fear it might rub off.

Well, the story of the leper reads like this:

When he came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cured of his leprosy. Matthew 8:1-3.

Hearing this reminded me that He is willing to make me clean too. I only have to have the boldness and make the time to ask. With one touch, he immediately will wipe away all of my unconfessed sin and restore me to wholeness. How about you? Are you feeling “unclean” lately? Ask Him for a touch. He is willing.