A New Wash

Something as simple and common as laundry is changing. People used to wash certain clothes using the hot or warm water setting on their laundry machines. As a result of newly developed detergents, however, all laundry can now be thoroughly washed using the cold-water setting. This is because most detergents can dissolve just as well in cold water as they do in hot water.

Many people struggle with the stains of their past mistakes. They try to make themselves feel better by volunteering or doing community service. While some of these strategies may be innocent, God’s plan is to give them a more powerful experience.

The experience of justification is illustrated in a striking matter in the story of Joshua the high priest. This man had a checkered past. The metaphor of dirt on his garments was used to represent the guilt and condemnation that Joshua deserved. When Joshua’s faults were pointed out by Satan, God stepped in: “He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, ‘Take away the filthy garments from him.’ And to him He said, ‘See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes’ ” (Zechariah 3:4).

The new clothing that Joshua received represented the new way of life that he began to live. On the one hand, Joshua’s faith in the removal of his past sins was the reception of his new right standing with God. On the other hand, his reception of that right standing was also shown in his new way of life: “Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:17).

Joshua wasn’t trying to cover up his sinful past by doing good; rather, he was doing good now that the guilt of his past life no longer burdened him.

Apply It:

Encourage someone who is discouraged by their past.

Dig Deeper:

Romans 5:19; Philippians 3:9; Zechariah 3:2

Key Bible Texts

For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. (2 Corinthians 5:21 KJV)