DAY 3
Approach the Bronze Laver for the confession of and cleansing from sin
Directly behind the brazen altar was the bronze laver. This was made from the women’s mirrors and was filled with water. Here the priests had to wash their face, hands and feet before approaching the presence of God. This is a reminder to us that although we’re already righteous (have a right standing with Him) through Jesus’ blood, we still need ongoing sanctification and cleansing.
This is where the Word of God is so powerful. As we read the Bible, it acts like a mirror, revealing not only God to us, but ourselves before God. The Holy Spirit will take the words of scripture and convict, not condemn us, of where we’re falling short of God’s glory in thought, word and deed. At this point, it’s important to pay attention to the words of James:
Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil which is so prevalent, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what is says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom and continues in it – not forgetting what they have heard but doing it – they will be blessed in what they do.
– James 1:21-25
Notice, here the metaphor of the mirror, and the importance of us not just looking at ourselves in the mirror of God’s Word but acting upon what we’re hearing.
Daily devotional
by Chris Sharman
- Confess to God any sin you know that is in your life. Ask Him to show you any other areas that need His cleansing. This is a great prayer to pray daily: God, I confess my sins to You and turn away from them. Thank You, God, for freely forgiving me. As I turn away from my sin, I turn toward You, and I offer myself to You. I give You my tongue, to speak good and not evil. I give You my eyes, to focus on You and the needs of others. I give You my ears, to be sensitive to Your voice. I give You my hands, to do good for others. I give You my feet, to walk in Your ways and follow in Your footsteps. I give You my mind, to be transformed and used by You.
- Expect the Lord to speak to you, and then as He reveals areas of sin and compromise, pray this: I ask You, Lord, for the fruit of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control, so that I can grow closer to You and help make a difference in the lives of others.
worship song
Holy Ground