Clean Before the Lord

While the Israelites were in the wilderness, God commanded them to build a tent of meeting. In that tent, they were to have a laver (washbasin), a place where Aaron and his sons were to “wash their hands and their feet” before entering the tent. This was very serious, something no one could take for granted. They were to “wash with water, so that they will not die” (Exodus 30:18-21).

But the laver was not just for this tent. When it was time to build the temple in Jerusalem, the Israelites again made basins as places for the priests to wash. Why was this so important? Because God is holy and cannot tolerate the presence of sin. He wanted them to realize that they had to be clean and pure when they came into His presence.

David recognized this principle when he wrote that only those with “clean hands and a pure heart” may “stand in His holy place” (Psalm 24:3-4).

The Bible reminds us that God wants to fellowship with you. He longs to hear from you and answer your prayers. He wants to bless you, grant you more of His wisdom and favor, and reveal more truths to you. But when you approach Him, remember that He is holy. Humble yourself before Him. Confess your sins and receive His forgiveness. With clean hands and a pure heart, approach His throne. You can be confident and bold!