Cleansing from Sin

Worship Wednesday with Pastor Edith
March 26, 2025
Hebrews 10:11-18, John 14:6

My husband and I were reading a little article on the meaning of sacrifice as it applies to our preparation for Easter during these forty days of Lent. The article started out in a most unusual way talking about loading a dishwasher. That’s right, loading a dishwasher. That had me hooked, so I paid close attention as we read together, and here’s my summary;

Loading the dishwasher seems pretty basic, but not for everyone. For me, I figure, put the dishes in, load the soap, start the machine and soon we will have clean dishes. My spouse, however believes that their way is better, in fact is the only right way to load a dishwasher.

For the Israelites, however, there was a very specific way of cleansing from sin. No short cuts, no reasoning other ways, one way and it was the way of the burnt offering. This offering consumed all of the unblemished creature being offered on behalf of the people’s sins, which would point to one great sacrifice;

“Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again, and again he offers the same sacrifices which can never take away sins. But when this priest [Jesus] had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins he sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time, he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool, because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy” (Hebrews 10: 11-15, read the remainder when you can and be thankful).

Jesus told a very confused disciple named Thomas who asked Jesus; “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me’” (John 14:5-6).

During this wonderful season of Lent, I offer you an opportunity to bump up you Bible reading and prayer time. It does take sacrifice; time, attention, personal agenda changes, but it is truly worth it. Here’s my closing song for you to the tune of “In the Cross”, this little song is called “Send a Great Revival”; “In my heart, in my heart, send a great revival; teach me how to watch and pray, and to read the Bible” (Heavenly Highway Hymns 1956).

AMEN and PRAY ON!