The Bronze Laver and Living Water

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.