Power-washing

Sometimes that which you are seeking is right in front of you – and you fail to recognize it because you are so busy seeking that you render yourself unable to find.

I was sitting in my office trying to find just the right thing to share with you as our progress through Lent continues. Powerful images from Holy Scripture were competing for my thoughts and expressions, but I was having trouble choosing one.

One thing proved thoroughly frustrating as I pondered the “Dry Bones” passage from Ezekiel 37: A man was power-washing the walls and windows outside my office. I thought, “How in the world can I find the witness I need to share with all this power-washing going on?”

Wait a minute! Power-washing! What better image could I have discovered during the Season of Lent than Power-washing?

Ezekiel was asked by Yahweh, “Son of man, can these bones live?” Ezekiel was smart enough to respond, “You know, Lord Yahweh.” And God caused Ezekiel to prophesy and through him promised:

“And I shall put my spirit in you, and you will live, . . . and you will know that I, Yahweh, have said and done this – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks.”

All the “mold and mildew” of the ancient Hebrews’ sense of defeat and despair will be washed away and God will breath into them God’s own breath – true power indeed.

May God send you a Power-washing today! (Or send you as a power-washer!)