Change Your Garments

Genesis 35:2, “Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that were with him, Put away the strange gods that are among you, and be clean, and change your garments:”

When I was growing up I liked to play outside (kids today have no idea how this works).  One year the baseball diamond across the street from our house flooded.  Mom specifically told me not to go over there there to play.  The next thing I knew I was standing in the water up to my waist and maybe higher.  I remember finding a long board and trying to use it as a surfboard from the back side of the restrooms and across the basketball court. 

I remember hearing my m0ther callilng my name as she stood at the water’s edge.  I did not love her coming that day I will assure you.  I can remember her spanking me and the water flying as she did.  This was not a happy conclusion to a happy play date.  I remember peeling the wet clothes off and how good it felt to get out of them.  They were brown from the muddy water.  It was disgusting; fun, but disgusting.

That hot bath felt so good that day.  I was so cold and so dirty, as I often felt.  It was great to get cleaned up and put on warm, dry clothes.

Sometimes we get dirty spiritually.  Sin slips in through the cracks of life and we find ourselves dirty.  Then it is time to heed Jacob’s counsel to “put away the strange gods.”  We must realize we have sinned.  Then we need to get clean by confessing and forsaking that sin.  Then we need to go on for God with our clean “garments” on.

So, how are you doing?

Pray:  Lord Jesus, I have sinned and done evil in your sight.  Wash me and cleanse me from all sin.  Help me to serve You better. I pray this in Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Read:  Exodus 8, 9, 10; Psalms 20, 50, 80, 110, 140; Proverbs 20