Seeking His Face: Purity

“Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” James 4:8

Deep within the forests of Asia and northern Europe, resides the ermine. The coat of the ermine is pure white in color and because of the value and demand of its fur, the ermine was hunted and killed by fur trappers and the fur sold on the open market. The fur was considered so pristine that the garments of influential individuals and royalty were lined with this fur and thus became a symbol of honor, royalty and regalness..

What was fascinating about the process of capturing this small furry animal is that the ermine is extremely devoted in maintaining the beauty of its outer coat and will not allow anything to mar or diminish the quality of its exterior fur and thus exhibits almost a deep sense of pride in the way this marvelous creature looks.

Knowing this, hunters utilized an extraordinary way in facilitating the capture of this fascinating creature. This specific method of capturing the ermine was to locate the lair or den of the ermine and envelope the entrance way of the ermine’s home with all sorts of filth and decay.

Following this action, hunting dogs were loosed and the ermine would naturally retreat to its home. However, the combination of the filth smeared around the entranceway of the den and the pride that the animal had in its glorious coat prevented the animal from escaping into its lair. Thus the capture of the ermine was made easy due to its desire to remain clean.

Our Scripture today, beckons, calls, commands the believer to draw nigh to God, to seek His face. But, before we can meet with our God, our hands, minds and hearts must be clean. This day let us remember the story of the ermine and invite the glorious gaze of God upon our inner being to see if there be anything unclean that prevents our seeing Him.

Reflections:

In order to seek Him, our hearts must be pure and unencumbered – how are the eyeglasses of your heart?

Like the ermine in protecting its coat against the filth of the world, reflect on your commitment and dedication to be in the world, but not of the world.

Are you prepared to seek Him?

Petition: Father, I invite the intenseness of your Being to shine in the deepest, darkest recesses of my heart. Search me O, God and see if there be any wicked way in me or any uncleaness. I welcome Your burning gaze and then consume that which is not of You in the fire of Your love. Amen.