Before I even begin this One-a-Day, you already know where I’m going with it. The shed blood of Jesus Christ is the ultimate spot remover for any and all sin, from stealing cookies out of a cookie jar to committing the most heinous crime imaginable. Sin is neither too insignificant or too horrific to merit being removed by the blood of Jesus. He paid the debt for it all, and we can walk in freedom and forgiveness every day.
It’s important to never forget what the Spot Remover has cleansed us from. Perhaps a life of addiction, hopelessness, violence, poverty, depression, self-centeredness, pride, arrogance, lying, sexual perversion, or hatred are the skeletons in your closet. What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. How very true the lyrics of that old, old hymn really are!
In 1981, I wrote this poem as I thought about how broken we are before Jesus fixes us…
Rag Doll
The eyes of Jesus spotted me. It were as if I lay a broken, tattered rag doll, discarded after play.
Damaged and torn and quite unsightly, this rag doll was left alone,
Till Jesus reached down and ever so lightly, whispered softly, “I’ll give you a home.”
How shameful for such a One as He to see the wretched state of this doll.
From head to toes, irreparable blows! Still, He propped her up, straight and tall.
Said He, “I’ve a notion to start anew…I should like to change you completely.
For all of your bruises and rips and tears, I can mend for you very neatly.”
This doll had a heart as lifeless as stone, and eyes with no luster or shine.
Sadness had befallen the doll; her countenance a telltale sign.
Quickly Jesus moved His Hand to make an initial start.
Used His own blood to cleanse the most hideous spot, and my eyes beheld a new heart!
With great care, He began to examine the scar that had rendered this doll badly stained.
He liberally applied His love to the spot, a solvent it there remained.
Motionless arms were all this doll had; her usage had come to an end.
Paralyzed by rejection and sorrow, she desperately needed a friend!
So, filling this doll with comfort and peace ‘twas a stuffing she dearly longed for.
Only Jesus knew how to fill this rag doll, and He knew she would surely want more.
The shabby worn clothes this rag doll had on, Jesus noticed and didn’t overlook.
To complete her appearance, He fitted her well—a garment of praise was all that it took!
The lifeless rag doll of course cannot feel. Nor can a doll detect what is real.
But I’ve been new and am NOT alone, since that day Jesus whispered, “I’ll give you a home!”
The blood of Christ is the most effective spot remover ever. Cleanse us with Your blood, Lord Jesus!
© 2020, Chris Werre