“Pilate said to them, “Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Christ?” They all said, “Crucify him!” He asked, “Why? What wrong has he done?” But they shouted more insistently, “Crucify him!” When Pilate saw that he could do nothing, but that instead a riot was starting, he took some water, washed his hands before the crowd and said, “I am innocent of this man’s blood. You take care of it yourselves!” Matthew 27:22-24 NET
Lord God,
Getting together with family and friends especially those who are like minded and love You, God is priceless. Everything is better if it can be shared with those who care. And I am still aware of hand washing and not sneezing and coughing too near anyone – not because Covid is still about but spring colds seem to be abounding! It reminds me so vividly at this time of year of Pilate thoroughly washing his hands to try to wash off the responsibility he felt over Jesus. Thinking he could make himself unaffected and innocent again.
He could not and we cannot wash away our sin. Whether we haven’t done something we should have or have done something we wish we hadn’t.
Pilate may have spent the rest of his life regretting giving in to the crucify calls. He was even warned by his wife not to (Matthew 27:19). I wonder if he remembered every time he washed his hands? Every time I wash my hands I remember You wash my all. My past and my present. Pilate may have simply tried to put it all to the back of his mind. But it is still there! How wonderful that we have the gift of honesty, confession and forgiveness. ‘Not guilty’, stamped on all those things we are sorry for. You judge us and then remind us You paid the price, took the punishment and set us free. As we wash our hands free of germs keep us washed by Your redeeming love.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Suggestions for prayer . . .
Lord God,
For our family, friends and neighbours. For their healing if needed, happiness and hopes.
For the royal family for healing and the knowledge they are in Your care.
For our nation to desire to continue being a Christian nation.
For all those facing operations, diagnosis and treatment. Your healing.
For those making decisions, to know Your will and the best way forward for good.
For Ukraine, Gaze, Sudan, Myanmar places of conflict. End to war paths to peace.
For those who have to make judgements in court. To know Your heart and the truth.
For Your heavenly army to conquer the evil that drives men or women to murder or do harm.
For Your church to know Your resurrection power and grow and show love.
For Easter Sunday joy to remain alive in us and lift us up.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Monday 1st April 2024
An old hymn with old fashioned wording. But for those of us that understand – it has a profound meaning.
Have you been to Jesus for the cleansing power?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Are you fully trusting in His grace this hour?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Are you washed in the blood,
In the soul cleansing blood of the Lamb?
Are your garments spotless?
Are they white as snow?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Are you walking daily by the Saviour’s side?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Do you rest each moment in the Crucified?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
When the Bridegroom cometh will your robes be white?
Are you washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Will your soul be ready for the mansions bright,
And be washed in the blood of the Lamb?
Lay aside the garments that are stained with sin,
And be washed in the blood of the Lamb;
There’s a fountain flowing for the soul unclean,
O be washed in the blood of the Lamb!
Lyrics: Elisha Hoffman
Graduating from Union Seminary in Pennsylvania, Elisha was appointed in 1868 as a preacher. He worked in many churches and chapters in Cleveland and in Grafton USA in the 1880s. He also served with the Evangelical Association’s publishing division in Cleveland for eleven years. Through his lifetime, he penned more than 2,000 gospel songs including “Are You Washed in the Blood?” (1878) and “Leaning on the everlasting arms” (1894).