Scripture to Read: Exodus 40:30–33
God had commanded Moses to place the “laver” between the Tabernacle (the tent of meeting) and the altar so that Moses, Aaron, and Aaron’s sons could wash their hands and feet before entering the Tabernacle. As we’ve also discussed earlier this week, Aaron and his sons were washed from head to toe for their first cleansing before our Lord. But after that initial washing (cleansing), God only required Aaron, his sons, and Moses to wash their hands and feet before entering the Tabernacle. The cleansing was so important because Aaron, Moses, and Aaron’s sons were coming into God’s Holy presence within the Tabernacle. If they were not ceremonially cleansed, they would lose their lives. Again, as we have been reminded before, this is another great reminder that Christ’s blood cleanses us from all our sins. Because we’ve been cleansed and healed through Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, we are able to be in God’s presence continually. We are His temple and privileged to fellowship with Him at all times. God gives us the Old Testament to better understand how precious Christ’s sacrifice was for us. When we read everything the priests had to go through to enter into God’s presence, it humbles us, knowing all Christ has done for us. Because of Christ, we no longer have to be ceremonially cleansed. Moses also erected the outer court and its veil for the doorway into the outer court. The entrance into the outer court was called “the way.” It’s awesome to know that Jesus is “the Way” and that there’s no other way, besides Him, into God’s presence.
Challenge & Application
· Why did Aaron, Moses, and Aaron’s sons have to wash their hands and feet each time they were to enter the Tabernacle?
· How has Christ opened the door for us to be in God the Father’s presence at all times?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!