‘Hands. Face. Space’
The ‘Hands. Face. Space’ slogan is one we’re all familiar with. The campaign urged us to wash our hands, cover our face and make space to control covid infection rates. It was great advice and helped save many lives. …I want to borrow these three actions to highlight some advice that James gives, profound wisdom that has even greater saving power. We’ll read the verse first:
James 4:8 NIV [8] Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
Space - James is writing to Christians that are alienating themselves with God by their ungodly behaviour. And so he starts with “space,” except he’s not urging social distance, the opposite in fact - he wants them to come near to God. And notice the promise - “and He will come near to you.” God’s gracious and wonderful way into spiritual health is to reduce the distance between the sinner and the Saviour. …James advice underlines a wonderful truth - that our sins have been paid for by the precious blood of Christ. As Paul writes in Ephesians 2:
Ephesians 2:13 NIV [13] But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
No matter what we’re guilty of, no matter how far we feel from Him and no matter how long it’s been since we were close, God (because of Jesus), invites you and I to come near. And when we do, He’ll come near to us. …What a Saviour!
Hands: These days we don’t shake hands, we bump elbows. That’s because hands are prone to getting dirty and risk being infection carriers. Washing of hands protects us, and prepares them for a more sanitary use such as eating. …James urges the sinner to “wash their hands.” As we come near to God, we must come in repentance. Repentance is being done with our past uncleanness - we wash it off in expectation of a holy use of our lives. Just as no one would sit down to dinner with filthy hands, so we can’t expect to sit with God and continue in uncleanness.
Face: James last piece of advice is for the double minded to purify their hearts. His phrase suggests a lack of decisiveness in coming to God. …Determination is shown in the face. A decision has been taken and the countenance shows it. I’m reminded of the verse in Luke 9 where Jesus “set His face to go to Jerusalem.” …Coming back to God will be tested by other voices telling us that we don’t need to, or that God doesn’t want us. Having been away from God, those who turn back to Him must do so decisively. I think that’s what James is saying here - don’t be double minded about our repentance and return. …Hands, Space, Face. Good advice in a pandemic, better when away from God. …We’ll pray.
Lord forgive me when I wander from you. I thank you that because of Jesus you always call me back into relationship. Help me to come in repentance and help me to come decisively. Amen.