Read: Hebrews 9:11-15

“The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!” – Hebrews 9:13-14

Outwardly clean. Good enough for government work. Shiny and new on the outside.

OOOF. How much that reflects our society today. As long as it looks good, it must be fine. But it doesn’t take much to scratch the surface to see that facade fall away and the true self underneath. It makes me think of buying a used car. It has been detailed and polished, but the engine may be old and failing and it won’t take us very far.

But we are cleansed not by the blood of goats and bulls but by the blood of Jesus through and through so that under the surface our true selves shine. And therein lies our HOPE. But it is easy to be blinded by the shiny externals and lose sight of our true selves in Christ. Daily we need to renew ourselves in Him. We must look beyond our worldly wants and needs, shed the outward facade, and open our hearts and minds to Him. Easy? Not always. Worth it? Yes.

Father God, you have cleansed us and made us whole through your Son, our Savior Jesus. Help us to look to you daily with the help of your Holy Spirit that we may be your hands and feet bringing your hope to the world. Amen.
-Susan Sanderson