A youth ministry initiative by RBC Ministries
where you can find devotionals and resources for youth.
A youth ministry initiative by RBC Ministries
where you can find devotionals and resources for youth.
July 21, 2010
They must wash with water whenever they go into the Tabernacle to appear before the Lord and when they approach the altar to burn up their special gifts to the Lord—or they will die! (v.20).
READ: Exodus 30:17-21
Every 12 years, millions of Hindus flock to Allahabad, India, to take a dip in the Ganges River. Scores get hurt as bathers rush to the water. The solution: purification by proxy. A popular Web site, webdunia.com, offers virtual cleansing. “Pilgrims” who want to avoid crowds, chaos, and travel costs can send a passport-size photo to the site, which then provides virtual absolution.
The Old Testament priests who ministered at the Tabernacle couldn’t cleanse themselves by proxy or through a dot.com company. They had to physically wash at the bronze laver or basin, which was positioned between the altar and the Tent of Meeting (Exodus 30:8-19).
The priests were required to cleanse themselves by washing their hands and feet. Only then would they be holy and prepared to minister before the Lord and the people. The laver was made of polished bronze (38:8), so the priest could see his reflection in it. This helped him make sure that he had washed away all the blood and dirt. More than likely, the priests washed off the blood that was on their hands and feet from sacrificing at the altar, along with dirt they had picked up from walking from the Tent of Meeting to minister at the altar.
The priests washing at the basin symbolized the removal of ceremonial uncleanness and provided the means to holiness that was required. Like the priests, every Christian should be characterized by holiness. Self-reflection before God helps us to grow in it. For we are cleansed by God through being washed at the laver of the Word (John 15:3; Ephesians 5:26), confessing our sins to Him (1 John 1:9), confessing our sins to one another (James 5:16), and turning from anything that is contrary to God and His commands (Proverbs 28:13). —Marvin Williams
(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)
Filed under Devotional, Our Daily Journey and tagged with Christian Living, daily devotional, Emotions, Faith, Forgiveness, God, Holiness, Holy Spirit, Repentance, Sin.
