“He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit.” Titus 3:5

Before we married my son in law, I rode a dirt bike. When Todd came along he seemed to have an affinity for MUD! The idea of anything with wheels going non-stop thorough muck just seemed to draw him. His kids have picked up the bug because kids often follow their parents. Now I ride a new ATV with my grandson in nasty mud, trying not to sink it! The problem though, comes with cleanup!

The last time I went riding with them, I took my 4 wheeler to the car wash… one of those pay and spray kind. After choosing ‘soapy wash’ I had the pressure up and the whole quad looking like it was covered in snow. Hitting rinse, I pressure washed EVERYTHING to make it look just like new, then put it away. When I pulled it out, I was surprised to see dirty spots all over the black parts! ICK!

I didn’t think they were that big of an issue, so after I muddied it up again this last time, I ran it through the car wash, then took a wash cloth and rubbed over where the spots had formed before. Sitting in the sun, it didn’t take long before those dirty little spots and streaks reappeared… all over again! Now the issue wasn’t a dirty ATV… it became MY failure and inability to get MY stuff clean!

Yesterday I was shocked when one of our teachers started off the JYC middle School Ministry lesson by writing 3 words on the board… Justification, Sanctification and Glorification! I like to call those ‘The Big Three’ of God’s gift to all who take Jesus on as Lord and Savior. I was shocked, because he was going to try to EXPLAIN those 3 powerful mud-maneuvering words… to kids… in about an hour!

I’d like to say that my efforts in utilizing special cleaning agents and elbow grease succeeded in removing those spots and stains once and for all. Furthermore, I’d love to tell you that those kids walked away with a clear understanding of those 3 powerful words. But I can’t! Some things are just not humanly possible. Which makes what God does even MORE amazing when I see him moving.

Are YOU amazed by the Grace and gifts of God? Have YOU received the clean that washes whiter than snow? Are YOU grateful to be Justified and Sanctified in Jesus Christ?  Are YOU trying to clean what only God can?