Whitewashed Tombs

Have you ever been called a name?  I’m not talking about a nickname like “Pip” but instead, something nasty and hurtful.  Has anyone ever called you something that just really hurt your feelings?  I would imagine so.  Often times those things that people call us are full of hate, anger, and even lies.  However, there are times when (even though we would not want to admit it) that we really are the things we are being called.  When those names and words hit us, it hurts, because we know there is some truth to the statement. 

So with that in mind, what if you were called a “Whitewashed Tomb?”  Moreover, what if Jesus Christ called you a “whitewashed tomb”?  OUCH!!  In Matthew 23, as Jesus addressed the crowds He delivers “Seven Woes” regarding the teachers of the law and the Pharisees:  (27) “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites!  You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything unclean.  (28)In the same way, on the outside you appear to people as righteous but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.” 

OUCH!!

The hurtful thing about this word from Christ is that many of us continue to live as a whitewashed tomb.  We can play the religious game.  We can dress the part.  We can be good “church people.”  We have the Christian t-shirts, the conservative bumper stickers, and even vote against abortion.  We go to church every time the doors are open.  We know every song that is sung at church (If it fits our preference).  We even know certain Scripture (that we like). 

However, when Christ looks at us with his supernatural x-ray eyes, he looks straight at our hearts and minds.  Underneath all the “Christian” outward appearances what does He really see?  Many of those who play the religious game harbor reservoirs of hate within them.  Some have a river flowing from their hearts that floods their being with racism, greed, anger, resentment, and pride.  Others neglect their children, compete with other church members, and foster hard feelings wherever they go. 

Granted, none of us are perfect.  But, let us be honest, you can be a professional at religion and be on the fast track to Hell.  You may have feasted on church goodness, but never even tasted true grace. 

If we are living as a whitewashed tomb is it any wonder that people turn away from church and run from God?  Is it any wonder that churches are dying all around us?  Is it any wonder that throughout this country oppression and persecution toward believers is on the rise?

It is time that we clean out our garbage.  It is time to empty our filthy hearts and let the Holy Spirit reside within us forever.  The greatest house cleaner in all of history is the Holy Spirit, so let Him in; let Him cleanse us all so that we may never be whitewashed tombs.  May we allow Christ to gather his “children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings.” (Matthew 23:37)