“Since we have compiled this record as sinners (both us and them) and proved that we are utterly incapable of living the glorious lives God wills for us, God did it for us. Out of sheer generosity he put us in right standing with himself. A pure gift. He got us out of the mess we are in and restored us to where he always wanted us to be. And he did it by means of Jesus Christ.”

Romans 3:23-24 MSG

Easter dresses were always a big deal at our house! Mom and Grandma would spend weeks at the sewing machine creating pretty, matching, dresses for all the girls. Their labors of love made for special memories and precious pictures.

I will not ever forget the year though that my sister and I decided to make Easter mud pies. We had a fig tree in our back yard which was one of our favorite spots to play. And for some reason, we decided this was a good time to do so – in our brand-new Easter dresses; before our pictures, before we got to church and before our Mom could stop us! So, on this memorable Easter morning, our dresses were anything but pretty.

None the less, we wore them with pride – mess and all. We posed for our picture, went to church as we were, and enjoyed the festivities of the day. Although I am sure Mom and Grandma were a little disappointed, they did not love us any less. Which makes the tangible reminder of that day remain; Easter is not about the dress! Easter is about the mess! And the One who washes us clean.

Today, as we celebrate Jesus, we can trust that He understands our mess. From the manger to the grave, he himself, mingled with a bit of messiness.

Being conceived by the Holy Spirit to an unwed mother, born in a stable full of animals and hay, immediately on the run being hunted by the king, His life began with a great big mess. Yet! He had never sinned.

The mess continued as He walked into the lives of others, seeking them out and inviting them to join Him. He was not afraid to drive out demons, to eat with sinners, to touch the dead, or sit with adulterers. No! He lived to wash them clean.  

The crucifixion though got really messy when He walked into the messiness of our lives. His dirty sandals that carried His cross. His hands and feet that shed His blood. Yes! Our sin was the biggest mess He had to face. But He did it without regret or complaint.

But then the mess was blessed! Jesus conquered the grave! The stone was rolled away. The body was missing. And people began to see Him around the village. Their eyes were opened to His Power. Their minds were opened to Scripture. And great joy returned to Jerusalem.

Jesus loves our mess because that is where He does His best work. In the debris of our brokenness, the wreckage of our hurts, and the puzzlement of the lost, Jesus is there! He wants to bless us with freedom and peace by clearing our conscience and cleaning our dirt. He died for the forgiveness of our sins, and when we surrender our mess to Him, He will redeem us and restore us to the most beautiful place of all – His loving and eternal Presence.

Jesus’ life and death were labors of love. They may not have looked very pretty, but as He stepped into glory, He showed us that His love was greater than any mess we will ever contend with.

Whatever mess is in your life today, consider giving it to Jesus. He will generously wash you with his grace and give you a new start in right standing with God.

12 Words

Jesus will never love you less while He graciously cleans your mess.

Dear Jesus, I am so grateful for Your love and acceptance, regardless of my mess. Thank you for your forgiveness and for giving me new starts every single time I mess up. You have overcome sin and death and are worthy of my praise. I love you Lord Jesus. Amen.

Scripture Reflection:
Ezekiel 36:25-29
Hebrews 10:22
Psalm 51:1-15