Clean House
Scripture Reading — Mark 1:2-8
“Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.”
Mark 1:3
Clean House is a reality television show about three trained specialists who go into homes that are a mess.
In each episode, there is clutter everywhere. In some homes there is so much junk that visitors must remain standing because the furniture is covered with all kinds of stuff.
The Clean House specialists face the challenge of convincing the residents to get rid of their junk. And the strange thing often is—even though it makes their lives miserable, they don’t want to get rid of the clutter!
You and I can be the same way in our relationship with God and our neighbors.
We say we want to clean things up, and we can see what’s got to go. But so often we cling to things that make life miserable for us and for others.
In the opening verses of Mark, we meet John the Baptist. John was a specialist whose task was to get people to “clean house” and prepare for the coming of Jesus Christ. John’s message was simple: “Repent!” To repent means to turn back to God and confess our sins, clear the junk out of our lives, and do what God’s Word teaches.
Is it time for us to clean house?
Let’s ask God to help us get rid of the clutter that distracts us from truly serving him.
Lord, forgive us. Help us to see our sin and hate it. Help us to turn back to you today. And may your Holy Spirit cleanse us from top to bottom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the author — R. Scott Greenway
R. Scott Greenway was born in Mexico City in 1964, the fourth child of missionary parents. He graduated from Calvin College in 1986, Calvin Theological Seminary in 1991, and Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in 2002. He and his wife, Kelly, have four children. He pastored the Irving Park Christian Reformed Church in Midland Park, New Jersey, and currently serves as pastor of Caledonia Christian Reformed Church in Michigan. He enjoys a variety of outdoor sports, including hunting and fishing.
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