Clean Sheets.

Ive just changed my bed.  And having done so I have climbed in between a lovely crisp, white, fresh ,smooth, cool set of sheets all tucked in and perfect.  There really is nothing like a freshly made bed is there?

I used to think the term ' a clean sheet' referred to a piece of paper - a fresh clean page on which to write a new chapter.  And of course it can mean that.  But tonight Im also thinking that it means something else too.   It represents that feeling of wellbeing and security and comfort of being wrapped up in clean cotton without wrinkles.   When Jesus became a sinless man 2000 years ago He was buying us both things.  He was embarking on a mission to wash away our sins so that He could present us to His father as His bride.  Spotless and radiant.  Perfect.    He was giving humanity a fresh start - the chance to write a whole new chapter.    But He was also making the way for us to go to a
place as clean and safe and comfortable and perfect as He is.  He makes me to lie down beside the still waters.   Heaven is a place of deep rest and joy.   No more tears, mo more sadness or suffering. No more death. Im really hoping at least some part of heaven will be a bit like bed !! :-)

This is the time of year when we start to think about New Year's resolutions.  We have that sense of getting a clean sheet on Jan 1st as we look ahead to a brand new year.   We resolve to get fitter, pray more, eat more healthily, stay in touch , redecorate, be less critical, spend less, etc etc etc.  And most of the time our determination falters after a few days or weeks .  Because without God our clean sheets dont stay clean for very long.    Thankfully the clean sheet Jesus offers us does not depend on our own willpower or commitment or determination.  It depends on His. All we have to do is accept the clean sheet He offers us.

And the extra good news is that even if the fingerprints of the enemy and the pollution of the world sometimes make our clean sheets grubby we can come to Jesus moment by moment and ask Him to wash us clean again - and He will.

Lord Jesus I thank you for new beginnings.  Thank you for the clean sheet you offer us on which you want to write the new story of our lives.  Thank you that You have gone to prepare a place for us in heaven and that it is going to be a safe, pure and spotless place.  Other gods and philosophies and teachings might offer a sense of peace and wellbeing but You are the only one who washes away sin and brings us, through rebirth, into a brand new life.  As we wait for You to come back help us to avoid the grubbiness of the world and keep the fingerprints of the enemy far from us.  So that when You return we, your Bride, will be spotless and without blemish.  Just as you have ordained.
Amen