On June 8, 1868, a patent was issued to Ives W. McGaffey for a device for cleaning rugs, which he called the “Whirlwind”. It was not motorized or electric, but the operator had to manually turn a crank while pushing the machine across the floor. Also, On June 8, 1824, a patent was issued for a washing machine to Noah Cushing of Quebec, Canada. So, June 8 seems to be a day dedicated to cleanliness.
“Words from Above” in the Bible support the idea of cleanliness in a very definite way. Before the people of Israel were allowed to cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land, they were instructed by Joshua to cleanse themselves. These same instructions were given to them on other such occasions when the Lord was about to perform a special miracle in their lives. They were also instructed to cleanse themselves before entering the Temple of God for the purpose of worship.
In addition to cleanliness of the body and other things of a physical nature, the Bible stresses the need for cleanliness of the heart. In Mathew 23, Jesus spoke to the scribes and Pharisees about their practice of making sure that their cups and platters were clean on the outside, but on the inside they were full of extortion and excess. It appears Jesus is actually talking about them going out of their way to make sure their outward appearance made a good impression on others. However, they made no effort to see that inwardly they made an acceptable impression on God.
The advice that Jesus offers to the scribes and Pharisees is to give necessary attention to themselves inwardly, and by doing so they will truly have a good influence on others. Jesus compares them to what He calls whited sepulchers, or whitewashed tombs, which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and likewise all manner of uncleanness. He condemns them for appearing righteous to others, but inwardly being full of hypocrisy and iniquity.
King David knew the importance of a clean heart, and wrote about it in Psalm 51. He had committed adultery and then murder to cover it up, and God sent the prophet Nathan to confront him about it. David immediately acknowledged his sins, and pleaded with God to have mercy on him and to forgive him of his sins. He asked God to cleanse him from his sin so that joy could return to his heart, because the thoughts of what he had done kept on haunting him day and night. He asked God to create a clean heart and to renew a right spirit within him.
Larry R. Steffee is pastor of the Center Hill Brethren In Christ Church on Miller Road in Smithville. Everyone is welcome to attend. For informa-tion, you may email lrsteffeetn@yahoo.com.