Dirty Dish Rags

Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. Isaiah 1:18 (NIV)

I received some new sparkling white dish cloths for Christmas this year. After being used to my old navy blue ones, I was surprised at what colors transferred to the white rags as I was washing dishes. The bright white was quickly dulled as I washed even the least dirty dish. A quick rinse in clean water restored the cloth back to its former brilliance, but as soon as it was used it discolored again. Ketchup was the most dramatic, of course, turning the cloth red, but I was amazed at how quickly that rinsed back out.

As I performed the mundane task, the illustration struck me anew as I was reminded of how pure Jesus was before He took our sins on the cross. He was blameless, sinless; yet He absorbed all the transgressions, no matter how crimson the offense. Like the dirty rag, He became soiled with our sin, choosing to be polluted by wrongdoing that He had not committed. He willingly chose to be the sacrifice for us. He became a "dirty dish rag" so that we could become clean.

I now have an everyday reminder of the sacrifice of the cross. More than just a white dish cloth, my ordinary task has been transformed into a reminder of the gift I was given by my Savior. Such a simple little token, but packed with so much meaning. I can't say that I look forward to doing the dishes now, but I can tell you that looking at my clean rag turn into a dirty one, I at least have something to ponder while I wash.

Thank you for the reminder of Your Son's sacrifice. Thank You, God, for sending a spotless lamb, white as snow, that is capable of washing my sins away so that I may have a relationship with You. Amen.

Nikki Hamsher