How can we apply the principle of cleansing before approaching God in prayer? The Bronze Basin: God’s Timeless Lesson “Then the LORD said to Moses,” (Exodus 30:17). The words that follow (vv. 18-21) describe a bronze basin for Aaron and his sons, “so that they may wash their hands and feet, so that they will not die.” God tied cleansing to survival—and to fellowship in His presence. Cleansing and Access: A Consistent Scriptural Pattern • Exodus 30:18-21 – Priests must wash before entering the tent of meeting or approaching the altar. • Psalm 24:3-4 – “Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? … He who has clean hands and a pure heart.” • James 4:8 – “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts.” • Hebrews 10:22 – “Let us draw near with a sincere heart … our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” God has never relaxed the standard: cleansing precedes communion. The bronze basin prefigured a deeper washing accomplished in Christ yet still practiced daily by His people. Christ, Our Ultimate Cleansing • John 13:8-10 – Jesus insists on washing the disciples’ feet: those already “bathed” still need their feet washed. • 1 John 1:7 – “The blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” • Ephesians 5:26 – He sanctifies the church “by the washing of water with the word.” At conversion we are fully bathed; in daily life our “feet” pick up dust that must be washed through ongoing confession and obedience. Practical Steps to Wash Before Prayer 1. Pause and invite the Spirit’s searchlight (Psalm 139:23-24). 2. Confess specific sins as the Spirit reveals them (1 John 1:9). • Name attitudes, words, and actions without excuse. 3. Claim Christ’s cleansing on the basis of His blood (Hebrews 9:14). 4. Release all grudges and forgive others (Mark 11:25). 5. Surrender fresh obedience—“clean hands” means changed behavior (Romans 6:13). 6. Proceed to thanksgiving, worship, and petitions with confidence (Hebrews 4:16). Scriptures to Keep at the Basin • Psalm 51:1-12 – David’s cry for cleansing. • Isaiah 1:16-18 – “Wash and make yourselves clean… though your sins are scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” • Titus 3:5 – “He saved us … by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” Results of Coming Clean • Unhindered fellowship—God “hears the prayer of the righteous” (Proverbs 15:29). • Renewed joy—“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation” (Psalm 51:12). • Increased effectiveness—“The prayer of a righteous man has great power” (James 5:16). • Protection from discipline—unconfessed sin invites God’s corrective hand (1 Corinthians 11:30-32). Closing Thoughts The bronze basin stood between the altar and the tent—between sacrifice and communion. In Christ the sacrifice is complete, yet the basin remains a daily necessity. Wash first; then walk boldly into the throne room. |
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