Deep Cleaning

There's nothing like a good power tool to teach a man a lesson. And this weekend, I learned one. I had borrowed my father's power washer to clean our deck in preparation for a re-staining project. It started right up, I got to the back-aching task of running it for hours on end, and God was faithful to point to His truth. His grace-filled truth.

The idea of God cleaning us is a common one in scripture. It is found throughout both the Old and New Testaments. It is something that is presented as both a great need that we have as humans, and as a great promise of God to deliver. Let me encourage you to grab a good concordance and walk through the Bible noting all the cleansing that God provides to us through the blood of Christ. His finished work on the cross does more than just gain entrance to heaven. It goes deep into our sinful souls and accomplishes work that we otherwise would be unaware of, let alone desire on our own. Just as planks of wood were most satisfied just doing their thing as a common but stylish adornment to our house, I likewise can find myself just being 'fine' with where I am at and with what I am doing. Soon, however, the hum of the small motor and the blast of the extended sprayer change everything. Suddenly, satisfaction takes a tremendous turn for the better. Deep-rooted dirt disappears. A shine and a finish never enjoyed before allow new appreciation.

So, what does God use in our lives to power wash us? Let's start with these three for now:
1) His Word - Recently, I have been reading through the book of Judges devotionally. Could be a dangerous thing to do, right? Gloriously dangerous, I can attest! I was struck by the following phrase a few days ago: "They did not drop any of their practices or their stubborn ways" (Judges 2:19b). The Lord has been cleansing me of practices and stubborn ways that I was quite used to and rather enjoyed, thank you very much. Was I, too, in need of judges to be raised up to confront me as the Israelites were? Was I, too, growing in corruption as I allowed these evil, and sometimes not evil as much as neutral, things to remain in my path? Have I, too, failed to obey God's voice? This one simple phrase has fed my thinking for days on end, and continues to do so. Thank you, Lord, for cleaning us through your Word. Your kindness indeed leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4).
2) His Church - Very little of what we read in scripture is outside of the context of a group. God always had people together (after Adam was provided a helpmate). I fondly remember a former pastor frequently pointing us to one of the many 'one anothers' in scripture. Doing battle with our greatest enemy, our sin, is likewise best fought together. What a gift God has given us in each other in the setting of the local church! Confess your sins one to another. Encourage one another. Clean away, and share the grace of God that He will reign upon you!
3) Yes, that too. God has also rigged life in that we are to spend the majority of our time with other people in very close proximity. But, believer, that spouse of yours and those little blessings of yours are more than you could ever realize. They are tools in the Master Cleanser's hands to dig deep into those spots that merely spraying water or even scrubbing will not suffice. Marriage, parenthood, and close friendships are the power washing that God often uses to do the job. Tough to remember the next time conflict arises, which it will, but true nonetheless. Thank God for these mirrors that allow us to be seen as we are.

One thing that amazed me during this project is the difference that could be seen when I had to pause when I was half done. The distinct difference between the part of the deck that I had cleaned and the remaining portion was unbelievable. I stopped just for a moment to thank God that the same was true of my life. He is cleaning. He is using His word, His church, and those around me to do deep cleaning. It is not always comfortable to have that done. But, oh the difference! The results! Thank you Lord for your deep cleaning!