Being clean seems to be the consistent theme in our Old Testament readings. The normal pattern is cleansing for seven days, then on the eighth day, two doves or two young pigeons are to be brought to the priest. “The priest then sacrifices these birds, making atonement.” (Leviticus 15: 30, Paraphrased) More rules and regulations given to become clean.
Now Aaron, the High Priest, is given specific instruction on how he “Is to enter the sanctuary area…” (Leviticus 16: 3) Putting on the sacred garments required cleansing himself first, as well. At the end of the chapter, it states this: “This is to be a lasting ordinance for you: Atonement is to be made once a year for all the sins of Israelites. And it was done, as the Lord commanded Moses.” (Leviticus 16: 34)
Jesus made the “Once For All” sacrifice when He went to the cross. “He (Jesus) did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.” (Hebrews 9: 12)
In His name, the nations will put their hope. (Matthew 12: 21) God has a greater plan for the entire world. His sacrifice enables us to walk on, in His name. He has said, “Signs and wonders will follow those who believe.” He demonstrated those miracles over and over.
Jesus restores sight to a demon-possessed man, who was blind and mute. Well, the Pharisees are in an uproar over this, saying that “It is only by Beelzebub (Satan) can He drive out demons. Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every nation divided against itself will be ruined, and every city or household divided against itself will not stand. If Satan drives out Satan, he is divided against himself. (Matthew 12: 25-26)
- Division is a tool of Satan to keep us from being united with one another and especially from being united with the Lord. Jesus said, “He who is not with me is against me.” (Matthew 12: 30a)
- Our unity with Jesus is displayed by our unity with one another.
The act of staying clean is not just about the outside, it’s about our inside. Those things that we act out, because of being wounded ourselves, God can help us with. Don’t ever be afraid to come close to Him to let Him know how much you are hurting. He is waiting with open arms to receive our disappointments, as we release those hurts and sin to Him.
This “cleansing ritual” of coming before Him and pouring out my heart to Him, is a daily regime. The closer I get to Him, the more I realize how very much I need Him, each and every day. Stay positioned close, He is listening. Sit upon His lap and let Him refresh and wash over you with His presence. It’s the best refreshment you’ll ever receive!
It will even help, ladies, how we respond to our hubbies. Being with Jesus transforms us as His Holy Spirit prompts us to be kind. We may start walking away from a heated discussion.
“A quarrelsome wife is like a constant dripping on a rainy day.” (Proverbs 27: 15a) Ladies, this is NOT the kind of water that will refresh you!
“As water reflects a face, so a man’s heart reflects the man.” (Proverbs 27: 19) We all know that, in our aging process, keeping our faces hydrated removes wrinkles. Water is needed for our entire body. Soak me Lord!
Spending time with Jesus is like a spiritual spa. Many will see the effects on the outside, as we cleanse and take care of the inside. Our lines and wrinkles may still be there, but our delivery on how we respond to those around us will be much smoother!
(Leviticus 15-16, Matthew 12: 22-50, Proverbs 27, Paraphrased)
UNBROKEN LOVE SERIES
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