For some reason my husband and I chose the middle of summer, in the south, to stain our deck. Since we both have demanding full time jobs, we spent several evenings working on this project. On those sweltering humid evenings, with sweat streaming down my face I wondered what in the world we were thinking. Why didn’t we do this in the fall or spring? Oh well, as I was meticulously painting the worn deck, trying to cover all the flaws, I couldn’t help but think about the blood of Christ and the wonderful way that our flaws, or sins are covered.
Our deck is likely original to the house, meaning, at the time of staining, that it was about sixteen years old. It’s seen a lot of wear and tear over the years. It’s been exposed to scorching heat, bitter cold, fierce wind, pounding rain and even some heavy snow. It actually held up pretty well through it all. We didn’t have to replace any boards, steps or rails. It just needed something to make it look new. After the first coat we were pleased and proud of our hard work. Then, we applied the second coat and were amazed at the transformation. This old dirty worn deck looked like new. It’s still not perfect, but the color is better. The stain covered, or least disguised even the worst blemishes on the deck.
Isn’t that what the blood of Christ does for us? Without it we are dirty and worn and beaten down by the world. Our flaws are out there for everyone to see. Once we are washed in that blood, through baptism, we are clean and pure and flawless. The blood of Christ covers our blemishes. It covers our wounds and hurts. It covers our sin. It makes us new.
The bad thing about the deck is that we will have to stain it again. It will face the elements again and will begin to show signs of wear and tear. The flaws will come to the surface. We will have to apply that stain again and again. At some point we may even have to replace some of the boards, steps and rails. See, that deck wasn’t designed to last forever.
The beauty of the blood of Christ is that it is forever. Christ died once and for all. For me. For you. For everyone. Forever.
Unlike the deck, we don’t have to “reapply” the blood of Christ each time we sin. As long as we are in fellowship with Him that blood cleanses us, keeps us clean and pure.
It comforts me to know that I am constantly made new through my relationship with Him.
How about you?
Have you been washed in the blood of Christ?
