Etch-a-Sketch and the Blood of Christ
Know what an etch-a-sketch is?
Yes, that red slate with silver powder in it, with two white knobs at the bottom which you twist and turn to draw a picture upon. Glance down to a pic of one in this article, if you’re too young.
Well anyway, years ago as a young mother, I was drawing on a new one, while my two young sons watched me demonstrate making a masterpiece, one on each side of me, and it all was new to them. They were about 8 and 11 at the time, and I was wanting to teach them how to use one. After I finished, I then handed the Etch-a-Sketch to my 8-yr-old so he could draw his picture, while we both watched him create.
Well, he, being a perfectionist, was going along just fine, proud of himself, when he suddenly goofed up and then declared in total frustration, “I created such an awful picture, made mistakes with it, and really screwed up. I can’t do it like you!” I knew he was about to throw it down, and stomp off, hating himself, for how he had messed up.
At that very moment, I guess you could say I got “an instant download from the Lord”, right into my mouth, for I suddenly declared without even any of my own thoughts pre-focused on what I was saying: “Well, boys, I have good news! Take a look at this… for God’s giving us a lesson here regarding our mistakes in real life too!”
I then grabbed the etch-a-sketch and gave it a good shake, while declaring:
“The blood of Jesus is just like the silver stuff in this etch-a-sketch! This silver washes away the mistakes you just made, and the blood of Jesus also washes our mistakes or sins clean away!”
“This is an illustration of what the blood of Christ does when you and I ask forgiveness of our sins…when we really screw up, and we’ve made serious mistakes in our lives! God has made a way for us to clean up the messes we make of things! “
I then handed that son’s picture on the etch-a-sketch to the son on my left and said, “So, what did your brother draw? What mistake did your brother make?” and he said, “Wow, I don’t see anything here. Whatever he did wrong is gone!”
I said “Exactly!”
“When God forgives, his blood does exactly what that silver powder in this etch-a-sketch just did. The blood makes it as if it is GONE. Wiped away! Completely! As if it had never ever been written!”
As an Etch-A-Sketch Erases Mistakes – So does the powerful Blood of Jesus!
Wow, they were impressed, as was I, at the spiritual lesson we just gleaned from a toy! (smiling here) …the Holy Spirit can be so fun!
We considered how the blood of Christ was just like that silver stuff, which washed away what was on the screen of my heartbroken son!
He was free of his condemnation instantly!
There was no “evidence left” of his screw-up.
He could love himself again.
He had nothing to prove!
He didn’t have to be perfect!
Jesus’ blood does this for mankind. His blood is powerful and erases our sins.
But some of you may say, in regard to an etch-a-sketch… well “sometimes” there is some residue on there, like if it’s been drawn over a place several times, even after shaking you can see the outline of something. Its residue is apparent.
To that I say, “habitual sin” is like that, it does leave some residue for others to see or even remind us of repeatedly, but not God. He removed it, as if it never happened. So, keep on “shaking it up” (applying the blood by asking forgiveness and turning from the sin) until that residue is totally erased, so that even others will eventually see you as clean and pure in Christ, and they too will quit bringing up your “past” sins.
No need for shame, guilt, apprehension, torment, or self-hatred if you go to Christ with your sin and let The Blood cleanse you from your sin. Knowing it’s washed clean makes you like my son who happily went off without bad thoughts toward “himself”. He could be happy “instantly” knowing “his slate was wiped clean”.
Keep applying the blood until your “conscience is clean”, okay? Read Hebrew 9:14. Christ’s blood has the power to cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death so that we may serve the living God!
Interesting to note…that an etch-a-sketch IS a slate that wipes clean.
The blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanses us from ALL sin. (I John 1:7b) Hope this helps someone as you ponder it in its child-like simplicity.
The blood of Christ is so very powerful! It erases! Completely! Hallelujah!!
Parents, share this with your kids too, for it’s a great way to teach them about forgiveness. Maybe even get them an etch-a-sketch for Christmas and have the same conversation with them as I had with my boys. I assure you they won’t forget it.
Even to adulthood, they will know they are forgiven by God just that quickly and completely when they repent, and this will help them any time they think they have displeased God. All they have to do is ask, and the blood of Jesus will wash their slate clean.
Let me close with this verse:
I John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
In my analogy, “confessing” is what shakes up that etch-a-sketch! …confessing is what Believers in Christ do to apply the blood to their sins. Coming to Christ is what unbelievers do, believing in the power of Jesus’s blood to forgive their sin. God will be faithful to forgive and to cleanse from ALL that’s there sin-wise, on clean your slate.
It can become an easy, on-going process when embraced.
Believe and receive…the simplicity of all this…
In doing so, peace can be yours, my friends.
——
I know this may be a little abstract for some readers, so in closing I would like to share with you a song I wrote about what it is like to walk closely with the Lord… some may recognize the lyrics are taken from an old hymn, although I put my own new melody and additional stanza to it. As you listen, remember what we spoke of, and how easy it is to “have your slate wiped clean” so you can enjoy the sweet fellowship I sing about in this song. (smile)
Here is that link:
New Trust and Obey – Elizabeth Ann Smith – Receive From Me
I really encourage you to ‘listen to the song’ so the Spirit of God may minister to your heart and soul; but, for those who are able to listen right now due to no sound, I’d still like you to see the words of New Trust and Obey (my added portion to the old hymn is in italics), for the original lyrics truly are truly full of insight and promise! God gave new music to them for this generation to enjoy! (smile)
Lyrics to New Trust and Obey
When we walk with the Lord
In the light of His Word
What a glory He sheds upon our way
While we do His good will
He abides with us still
And with all who will trust and obey
Not a shadow can rise
Not a cloud in the skies
But His smile quickly drives it away
Not a doubt nor a fear
Not a sigh nor a tear
Can abide while we trust and obey
Though not easy
For us to learn to trust
And we question how obedience brings joy
When Christ’s spirit, Himself
Dwells within our hearts
He enables us
Both to obey and to trust
Not a burden we bear
Not a sorrow we share
But our toil He doth richly repay
Not a grief or a loss
Not a frown nor a cross
But is blessed
If we trust and obey
Though not easy
For us to learn to trust
And we question how obedience brings joy
When Christ’s spirit, himself
Dwells within our hearts
He enables us
Both to obey and to trust
But we never can prove
The delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay
For the favor He shows
For the joy He bestows
Is for them who will trust and obey
Then in fellowship sweet
We will sit at His feet
And we’ll walk by His side in The Way
What He says we will do
And where He sends we will go
Never fear
Only trust and obey
Here is an image you can save down to remind you of this article and how the Blood of Jesus cleanses us from All Sin:
