Continual Washing of the Living Water |
Our Bible Study Teacher
reminded us that in the beginning the waters covered the earth and God divided
the waters from the land. As Linda
ministered, I took notes and present an edited lesson here for you.
In the Garden of Eden, dew
fell during the night and watered the garden.
There is Spiritual dew from heaven that refreshes our Spirit when we
read and study God’s Word. We are filled to overflowing as we drink from the river of Life .
There is a washing that occurs for our spirit as we dig deep into God’s
Word. Things of this world will grow
strangely dim in the light of His Word.
Exodus chapter 40 Outlines the vessels to be used in the Tent
Tabernacle and how they were to be washed, sanctified and anointed. The Laver was to be filled with clean water.
Exodus 40:9, 11 And you shall take the anointing oil, and anoint the tabernacle, and
all that is in it, and shall hallow it, and all its utensils: and it shall be
holy. And you shall anoint the laver and its base, and sanctify it.
(From an article by Juanita Bynum, in Charisma Magazine:) OLD TESTAMENT PRIESTS WERE CONSECRATED TO GOD THROUGH THE USE OF SPECIAL OILS. TODAY, WE MUST BE SURE WE DON'T MIX THE WRONG ELEMENTS WHEN WE SEEK TO CARRY HIS ANNOINTING.
The anointing oil was a blend of ingredients specific and
exact, and the oil made by combining them could be used for no other
purpose. I believe this oil is an
illustration of the anointing that God pours upon our lives. Notice that the
oil was made from five ingredients: myrrh, cinnamon, cane, cassia and olive
oil.
The oil blended
of sweet spices was used to sanctify the vessels including the anointing of the
priests and their assistants.
In
Revelations 8:4 it speaks of our prayers
as sweet smelling incense unto the Lord.
Exodus 40:30 And
Moses set the laver between the tent of the congregation and the altar, and put
water there, for washing.
Notice there
was only one way into the Holy
Place .
Before the Priest could enter he must be washed and anointed. This reminds us that Jesus is the ONLY way of
Salvation and when we are washed in His blood and anointed with the Holy Spirit
we are assured of our entry into Heaven.
In life when
we need direction, as we read our Bible, the washing of the Word over our minds
is continually cleansing us. There is
death to the old way of living, and life to the New walk.
We are
reminded that the Laver was made from brass mirrors and as one gazed into the
water there was a Godly reflection. As
we look into God’s Word, it is like a mirror reflecting Jesus. Jesus is the Living Laver, and we are
continually washed by the Word.
Consider that
Salvation is a done deal, but as we walk on this earth, our feet travel in the
dust and dirt. It is necessary for a
continual washing.
Our teacher
referred to John 13 when Jesus took a towel and a basin of water and washed the
feet of his disciples. Peter at first
was embarrassed and refused to allow Jesus to wash his feet. Jesus stated, “Unless you submit, you will
have no part with me.” Peter quickly
repented and said, “Not just my feet, but my hands and my head also.”
Our teacher
desired to illustrate this with a set of beautiful bowls and pitchers. She also gave each person a lovely scented
candle to remind us of the sweet smelling incense.
As each
person in class held out their hands over the basin, water was poured and a
paper towel supplied. Next as each
person removed their shoes a clean basin was placed under their feet and water
applied. I was the only one wearing
panty hose, but not a problem. One of
the brothers carefully splashed water over my shoes and ankles and gently wiped
them with a paper towel.
It is
important to realize that the Holy Spirit in us is as Rivers of Living water
flowing out from us. Take time to feed
on God’s word, not to just continually receive to become fat, but to give out
and allow the water to flow freely out to others.
1 comment:
Such good points, you bring out here. The footwashing sounded like a very sweet experience. God bless you, Hazel.
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