This blog and devotion is dedicated to the man who just had a birthday in Heaven. He taught me about having clean hands. He is my Paw Paw, John Wayne Bailey. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of him and the things that he instilled in me. I miss him every day!
The first question a new mom thinks about when someone approaches their newborn baby is "Are your hands clean?" I can remember how nervous I would get as a new mom fearing that too many people were spreading germs to my child. I would do everything in my power to make sure my hands were clean and that my child was germ free. I still, to this day, am cautious about me and my children having clean hands. There is a saying that I like that says "Wash your hands and say your prayers because Jesus and germs are everywhere". One of my first memories of my Paw Paw was him walking into his kitchen, putting dish soap on his hands, and washing his hands before he went any further into the house. I have memory after memory of him doing this. You see, he was a hard worker. He didn't mind getting his hands dirty working. He worked in the oil field, he worked with the animals on the farm, built and worked side businesses, cut and baled hay, preached, took care of his family, and sang. Washing his hands was one of the first steps that he took before he really interacted with people. I can remember him walking through the door, seeing me sitting on the kitchen stool, and saying "Hi baby!" Before he would hug me or sit down to talk, he would wash his hands. That memory has stuck with me more than most. Now that he and his action of washing his hands is a memory, washing your hands means more than just washing your hands to me. His habit and constant desire to have clean hands has a deeper meaning. Paw Paw was setting that example all those years in the physical realm as well as the spiritual realm. He was teaching me to ALWAYS have clean hands as well as a clean heart.
Around Easter, I really try to study on the crucifixion and the days leading up to it to prepare myself and my heart for Resurrection Sunday. While studying, the Lord once again brought this memory of washing your hands to the forefront of my brain. He also pointed out that Pilate made sure to wash his hands of the blood of Jesus in Matthew 27:24. Matthew 27:24 says
"So when Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but rather that a riot was breaking out, he took water and washed his hands [to ceremonially cleanse himself of guilt] in the presence of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this [righteous] Man’s blood; see to that yourselves.”
Pilate believed that Jesus was innocent. He did not want to condemn Jesus to a cross. He wanted to have clean hands and a clean heart. Why do you think this action from Pilate was put into the book? I believe it is to illustrate the importance of having clean hands and a clean heart. Psalms 24:3-5 says
"Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the Lord, and righteousness from the God of his salvation."
When I really think about it, are my hands and heart always clean? Do I take care of washing my hands and my heart before I interact with people? Things happen. Germs are everywhere. Words are said. Actions are done. A lot of times, words and actions cannot be changed; just forgiven. There are highs and lows in life. There are smiles and tears. For every action, there is a reaction. It can be past or present. We all face germs in this life. Whether big or small, these life experiences can affect us. We have to make sure that our hands and hearts are clean in whatever situation or circumstance. Yesterday, my girl was very upset after coming home from school. She acted out in several ways but after a while, I was able to get to the root of the tears. Two of her friends said something to her that hurt her feelings. It was not necessarily what they said but it was how they said it. The tone of their words got to her even at her young age. I asked her if she had said or done something to them? I wanted to make sure that her hands were clean. Her response was, "No. I am not mean to anyone at school." She then continued to tell me that her other friend took up for her. I told her that her friend was very nice to do that and the little girl was a true friend. I then encouraged her and hugged her until her tears stopped. That's what Jesus does for us when we bring our needs to him. He comforts us until our tears stop. My girl had a much better day today. However, I cried tears today. Germs surfaced. I learned that my gut feeling was on target. My feelings were hurt today. It does not matter by who and it does not matter by how. All that matters is my response to this person and the action. See there, things happen. Germs happen to everyone. Just remember that you never know what someone is going through. We must choose our words wisely and not be hasty in actions. Pain is often hidden behind some of the biggest smiles. People can be in huge crowds and still feel so lonely and left out. Just because someone is passive does not mean that it does not bother them. Be considerate and intentional in all things. Remember that you cannot control what others do and say. You only control your reaction. Does that take away the hurt, anxiety, frustration, pain, disappointment, tears, etc.? No. However, we must make sure that our hands and hearts are clean. The process from the heart to the brain begins. Am I going to let this continue to stir or am I going to lay it down on the alter and allow the Lord to fight my battle. Am I still carrying baggage in my heart from the past? Do I confront this person? By confronting, am I putting my hands into situations when I should take my hands out of it? Am I making a bigger deal out of this than what it really is? In the moments when feelings and emotions are high, it is best to be still and draw nigh to God so that the reaction is the right reaction. James 4:8 says
"Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded."
Silence can be powerful. Remember, words and actions cannot be changed, just forgiven. Emily Dickinson quoted "Saying nothing sometimes says the most." Job 17:9 says
"The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger."
Regardless of what is done or said in my life, I must make sure that my hands and heart are clean. We go from stronger to stronger. 2 Samuel 22:21 promises
" The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness: according to the cleanness of my hands hath he recompensed me."
As you get ready for bed tonight or get up for early morning prayer, as you come in contact with germs, pray these scriptures over your hands and heart.. Ask yourself "Are your hands clean?" Let There Be Clean Hands...In Jesus Name!
Sleep with clean hands, either kept clean by all day by integrity or washed clean at night by repentance. - John Donne
Thank you for sharing. Love this