I was reading in a book about the Tabernacle this morning in my devotion time. The book was talking about the Laver in the court of the Tabernacle and it’s significance and symbolism for us as Christians. It was fascinating. Let me share my summary.
Previously I read about the Brazen Altar where the sacrifice for sin was offered to God. The Brazen Altar is about justification. Regardless of my sin I am declared righteous because of the sacrifice made on the altar. We do not have to continuously offer sacrifices on the the altar since Jesus offered himself as the sacrifice that pays the price for all of our sins, forever. I am justified through accepting what Jesus did for me.
Today, I read about the Laver which is a large pool of water fashioned out of brass. The pool was used for washing by the priests before they entered the Tent of Meeting. The daily washing before entering the Tent of Meeting symbolizes the daily cleansing we need for the ongoing sins in our life before entering the presence of God. The book I read from this morning speaks of this daily washing as symbolic of sanctification for Christians. By daily acknowledging and seeking forgiveness for sin we move one step closer to the intimate relationship we desire with God and that God desires with us. Along with this closer intimacy is a stronger sense of God’s purpose in our lives. I believe this is a natural part of intimacy with God—understanding more and more of God’s will and purpose for us His children. As we enter God’s presence day after day we begin to be more and more like God (more like Jesus) and this is the essence of sanctification.
The Bible tells us brass mirrors were used in the making of the Laver and I have read this caused the priests to look at themselves as they washed. As we seek closer intimacy with God we need to look honestly at ourselves and acknowledge the sins we commit and wash them away through the forgiveness found in Jesus’ blood.
Today, draw nearer to God—wash clean any sin in your life in God’s pool of forgiveness and enjoy His presence as you become more and more like Jesus.
Tim
