Clean My Slate
Clean the slate, God, so we can start the day fresh! Keep me from stupid sins, from thinking I can take over your work. Psalms 19:13-14 (MSG)
ME: Jesus, I am so glad that I don’t have Your job.
JESUS: Are you saying that My work is difficult?
ME: Well, yes, of course it is! How in the world do You hear everyone’s prayers, show up around the world, and keep everything straight all at the same time?
JESUS: (audible laugh) I am who I am!
ME: I could never do that, and I wouldn’t want to do it either.
JESUS: No, you can’t. But I’m more interested in why you wouldn’t want My job.
ME: It’s too much detail! I’m old now and can’t even remember names sometimes—and these are people I know. I can get up off the sofa and go to the kitchen and just stand there pondering my motive for moving. But you? You’ve got it all together and don’t forget anything—except our sins.
JESUS: You are correct! I do have it under control even though there are moments when you question Me.
ME: I don’t mean to do that but there are so many conflicts in this world today. I would be a puddle of tears if I had to deal with all the issues like starvation, disease, famine, crimes, and the abuse and killing of innocent people. Doesn’t Your heart break? Mine does, and I’m not even in charge.
JESUS: My heart hurts and I do cry for My people! I hear ever moan and groan from those who are suffering in agony. I hear every stomach growl and every mother’s prayer for food to feed her children. I am present and I comfort children who are being mistreated. I hold the hands of those who are neglected, rejected, kidnapped, and sold.
ME: How can You do all this and not want to have someone build another Ark? We have turned this world into a less-than-lovely place. And You still love us?
JESUS: Yes, My child! I will love you forever. You are mine and nothing can separate us.
ME: Those are some comforting words. I needed to hear them.
JESUS: Yes, I know.
ME: Jesus, forgive me of my selfish, stupid sins. I will be praying for these things daily. I become so self-absorbed that I forget about the rest of humanity. But I like the clean slate idea.
JESUS: Me too! So, with all that, I will just say: “Good morning, My child!”