Photo and Commentary ©2024 by Shelley Schurch
Sunday, December 22, 2024
“Blank” isn’t usually thought of as a positive word.
My mind suddenly went blank.
His face had a blank expression.
She called him a blankety-blank.
But our mail often brings a smile to my face when it uses the word “blank” in a certain way. See my photo above for an example, which is a page I removed from a three-page document I received in the mail last week.
Its messaging is a bit confusing. It’s written in capital letters, which feels like shouting, but it’s written in very faint letters, which feels like whispering.
I can see that the intent behind the message is to communicate clearly: “THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.” The sender wants me to know without a doubt that I shouldn’t worry that I’m missing something that was supposed to be printed on this page. It is with intention that it is blank (except for the sentence telling me that, and a small black line in the upper right corner, but now I’m quibbling).
The message is meant to be reassuring; there has been no printing error.
And yes, this reminds me of Jesus.
When Satan accuses us of being sinners, unworthy of heaven, Jesus defends us.
Imagine the two of them comparing lists: Satan mentions my name and presents a lengthy list of sins I’ve committed. Jesus recognizes my name; He knows me well. He knows that I’ve committed sins, but He also knows that I’ve committed my life to Him, and I’ve asked Him for forgiveness for my sins.
So when Jesus shows my accuser His page of my sins, it’s blank. It’s not a printing error; it’s intentionally left blank.
“I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins. (Isaiah 43:25 NKJV)
Eugene Peterson, in The Message, words it this way:
“But I, yes I, am the one who takes care of your sins—that’s what I do. I don’t keep a list of your sins.
There’s more where that came from, much more. Just a few more words of encouragement, straight from the Word:
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:9 NKJV)
Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
Who forgives all your iniquities . . . (Psalm 103:1-3a)
“Come now, and let us reason together,”
Says the Lord,
“Though your sins are like scarlet,
They shall be as white as snow;
Though they are red like crimson,
They shall be as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)
When I read these verses I exhale. I relax my shoulders, unfurrow my brow. The Lord is on my side. His intentions toward me are good, always good.
As we step out into this brand-new week, almost ready to step into a brand-new year, we celebrate the first arrival of our Saviour, who came with the intention of unmasking Satan, showing us what God is truly like, and sacrificing His life so that we could choose eternal life with Him. We look forward to His second arrival, each day one day closer.
Merry Christmas, and Happy, Healthy, Hopeful New Year!