Under God's Microscope!

There are things that may appear just fine on the surface until they are scrutinized more closely. Looking through a microscope can be very revealing. Through the power of the lens things are brought clearly into view that are not seen with the naked eye. For example, hands that appear to be CLEAN could be covered with a host of microorganisms possessing the potential to spread disease. Simply running the hands under some water may remove the visible dirt while not being thorough enough to deal with the bacteria that remains. For our own health and the health of others (especially if we are handling food others will eat) the true condition must be acknowledged.

Jesus had encounters with people who tried to hold on to appearances, but inwardly the true story was told. He called these individuals “hypocrites” because they were mainly playing a part. Perhaps the contrast was no more evident than when the Jewish leaders were seeking to have Jesus put to death.

When Jesus was brought before Pilate we read…
“(28) Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor’s headquarters. It was early morning. THEY THEMSELVES DID NOT ENTER THE GOVERNOR’S HEADQUARTERS, SO THAT THEY WOULD NOT BE DEFILED, BUT COULD EAT THE PASSOVER. (29) So Pilate went outside to them and said, ‘What accusation do you bring against this man?’ (30) They answered him, ‘If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you.’ (31) Pilate said to them, ‘Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.’ The Jews said to him, ‘It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death.’ (32) This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die.” ( John 18:28-32 ESV)

These leaders were being careful to not defile themselves. They wanted to remain clean so they could participate in the celebration of the Passover. It is clear they were seeking to have Jesus put to death (note also John 19:7) and in order to do so they even went so far as to seek false witnesses to testify against Him. ( Matthew 26:59) Therefore, here they were focusing on remaining “ceremonially” CLEAN while in reality they were “spiritually” unclean! Though they would not step foot into the governor’s headquarters and so defile themselves and miss the opportunity to eat the Passover, they were still intent on putting to death the Messiah, whatever it took. Ceremonially CLEAN and yet of the most defile motive and heart. No wonder Jesus -- Who could see what was truly there -- would describe them as being “like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness.” ( Matthew 23:27)

Are we content with how we appear to others, or do we have a genuine desire to understand what we are like under God’s microscope? Paul’s aim was to “have a CLEAR CONSCIENCE toward both God and man.” ( Acts 24:16) What is truly going on within us? Are we merely playing a part or living based on a genuine desire for God’s Will to reign within? Though it may be masked to others, God knows whatever dirt is in our life. Praise God, through Christ, we can be CLEAN. However, we must also have a willingness to come CLEAN in acknowledging what is out of place in our life. May that which comes from our life do so from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith ( 1 Timothy 1:5) as we genuinely live to please our Lord!

Have a great day APPRECIATING THE DEEP CLEANING IN CHRIST!
Carl

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