I love a bubble bath before bed. These verses gave me a perspective that I won't forget the next time I curl up in a tub full of bubbles. Keep that feeling of cozy freshness in mind as you read.
“ But when God, our kind and loving Savior God, stepped in, he saved us from all that. It was all his doing; we had nothing to do with it. He gave us a good bath, and we came out of it new people, washed inside and out by the Holy Spirit. Our Savior Jesus poured out new life so generously. God’s gift has restored our relationship with him and given us back our lives. And there’s more life to come—an eternity of life! ”
Titus 3:3-8 MSG
I need a really good bath. You know, the kind you soak in for awhile with lots of bubbles and warmth, but also the kind that washes you clean. God wants us clean, but He doesn't just scrub us with a scouring pad, cold water, and harshness. It’s in His kindness. He wants to give us back our lives. He wants to renew us. Literally make us new again, removing all the sin that hardens us.
“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,”
Titus 3:4-6 ESV
Feeling tired and in need of renewal? The Holy Spirit wants to refresh all those places. Did you catch that He appears in both these verses as the one who is doing the washing? Sometimes I forget that the Holy Spirit dwells in me. He sees me from the inside out. He's looking right at all those thoughts and attitudes that need renewal. I forget that often and end up feeling like I am supposed to be taking care of my godliness and striving for holiness. This reminds me of Peter's response when Jesus was washing the disciples feet:
“No,” Peter protested, “you will never ever wash my feet!” Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.”
Simon Peter exclaimed, “Then wash my hands and head as well, Lord, not just my feet!” John 13:8,9
If we don’t get washed, we don’t belong to Him. We can't leave any part of us out. It's a head to toe experience. Belonging to Jesus means He is taking care of us and eliminating the sin that harms us.
I’m with Peter! Wash me head to toe! Inside and out! Renew and regenerate all that’s tired and worn dull. Make it fresh and alive - ready for obedience.
God, wash me, inside and out. Renew me,
regenerate places that my heart has grown dull.
Thank you that I can belong to You.
Remind me that the belonging I desire is found with You.
Your desire is to restore and renew me.
Help me receive that as the grace that it is.
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