Symbolic Cleansing

Symbolic Cleansing

Exodus 19: ¹⁰ Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes. ¹¹ And let them be ready for the third day. For on the third day the Lord will come down upon Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. ¹² You shall set bounds for the people all around, saying, ‘Take heed to yourselves that you do not go up to the mountain or touch its base. Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. ¹³ Not a hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot with an arrow; whether man or beast, he shall not live.’ When the trumpet sounds long, they shall come near the mountain.”

 

¹⁴ So Moses went down from the mountain to the people and sanctified the people, and they washed their clothes. ¹⁵ And he said to the people, “Be ready for the third day; do not come near your wives.”

 

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GOD told Moses to tell the people to wash their clothes and get ready for HIM to come down on the third day.

 

My Observations:

• GOD seemed to be symbolically preparing the people to represent the cleansing of sin by having them wash their clothes.
• GOD seemed to be announcing that JESUS would come down from the cross in three days in this parallel number of days.
• GOD warned the people that they should not take HIS presence lightly otherwise they would be put to death.

 

Clean clothes represent spiritual purification, forgiveness and redemption through JESUS CHRIST. In the book of Revelation, we see the people who have cleaned their clothe4s in the blood of the LAMB. The three-day delay from the time Moses had the conversation with GOD until the time HE would arrive, parallels the time JESUS was crucified and when HE arose from the dead.

 

GOD does not seem to be addressing a mindset in this passage; rather, HE was demonstrating what JESUS would do. No one was allowed to touch the mountain when GOD was on it. While GOD is everywhere, there are specific places where HE declares boundaries for a specified time.

 

GOD declared this symbolic act as holy and reverence of HIM was HIS expectation. HE even told them not to procreate during this holy time, possibly because JESUS was to be the new life. This was all about GOD and HIS plan to redeem mankind.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the washing of the clothes?
• What symbolic gestures can you do to signify what GOD has done for you?
• Have you forgotten who GOD is and what HE has done by limiting beliefs?

More Valuable Than Clothes

More Valuable Than Clothes

Hebrews 1: ¹⁰ He also said,
“You, Lord, in the beginning created the earth,
    and with your own hands you made the heavens.
¹¹ They will disappear, but you will remain;
    they will all wear out like clothes.
¹² You will fold them up like a coat,
    and they will be changed like clothes.
But you are always the same,
    and your life never ends.”

 

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After purchasing a new suit, I felt pretty good about myself. But after wearing it only once, I noticed a seam open. I was enraged as I took the garment back to the suit shop. “I didn’t pay this kind of money to get low quality!” was the beginning of my rant. I continued with more words.

 

• I did not even know who I was talking to.
• I did not care that he or she had a relationship with CHRIST.
• I wore the new garment until it went out of style, and I never once thought of the salespeople.

 

As magnificent is the earth, it will one day be destroyed by the one who created it, according to what was revealed to Paul. “They will wear out like clothes” is the analogy to the moon, stars and planets we see and experience. Paul then points to something that is eternal, namely JESUS.

 

My Observations

• GOD loves people far more than possessions.
• My focus on possessions can sometimes get in the way of GOD’s love for me and other people.
• I am loved eternally.

 

Having clothes and possessions is not a problem until they have me. I mean, when I get mad at people over lack of possessions, or dented or torn possessions, then I forget what GOD wants me to see, namely HIS love for him or her.

 

JESUS is eternal and so are those who believe in HIS salvation. Our life here on earth is temporary. All the titles, things and places will some day be destroyed. All that will remain will be you and me standing in front of GOD, accounting for our lives. I only hope my life is not squandered, rather it bear fruit for GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer use clothes as the example?
• Have you ever bought clothes that went out of style and felt like you needed more and more and more and more?
• Will you seek what is eternal, namely a relationship with CHRIST so HE can guide you to bring others to HIM today?

New Clothes

New Clothes

Galatians 3: ²⁶ It is through faith that all of you are God's children in union with Christ Jesus. ²⁷ You were baptized into union with Christ, and now you are clothed, so to speak, with the life of Christ himself. ²⁸ So there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles, between slaves and free people, between men and women; you are all one in union with Christ Jesus. ²⁹ If you belong to Christ, then you are the descendants of Abraham and will receive what God has promised.

 

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Tattered clothes made me feel ashamed  to be in public. Ridicule from other children made me self-conscious about my garments and I began to second guess my abilities. “What do I have to offer if I don’t fit in?” I thought from my insecurities.

 

• I was insecure.
• I was self-conscious about my outward appearance.
• I was busy looking on the outside of me and I did not like what I saw.

 

Paul concludes his explanation of the temporary use of “The Law.” He mentions that “It is through faith” that we are GOD’s children. Baptism by the HOLY SPIRIT brought all who believed in JESUS as the Savior, into union with CHRIST. Now the promise of being a descendant of Abraham is available to those who believe.

 

My Observations

• I can be secure in this life when I put my trust in JESUS.
• Sin soiled and tore my godly clothes.
• GOD gave me new clothes that are not made with human hands, rather of the SPIRIT.

 

Being adopted into the family of GOD has its benefits. I mean, now I am in union with CHRIST and I can be confident that the Creator wants me to have everything in HIS kingdom. Unfortunately my insecurities blind me to focus on the world and I overlook GOD’s kingdom.

 

I fall into the trap of trying to wear clothes made from humans and I adorn myself in businesses, jobs, titles, political affiliations, social groups and social pressures. These clothes get old quickly, BUT GOD’s clothes never stain or tear. I gladly wear the life of JESUS as a garment I am not ashamed to wear.

 

Challenge

• What does the passage say about equality?
• How does this passage address insecurity?
• Will you accept the security of GOD for this life and the next by believing in JESUS as your Savior so you can put on HIS new clothes of purpose and freedom today?

I need to go shopping!

Revelation 3: ¹⁸ I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

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“There, how does that fit?” the sales clerk asked. “Perfect” was my answer to my new tailored suit. After spending thirty minutes picking out the perfect tie I was now ready to show off my new garments. After wearing the suit twice I noticed a thread coming loose. Even worse I had a snag in my new silk tie. The suit looked old and I hadn't worn it much. I better find a new place to shop!

• Castles, cars and coins rust and deteriorate yet I still crave them.
• Clothes, caps and capes show others I’m successful but they cannot hide my sin from GOD.
• Cruises, champagne, and concierge made me feel special but blinded me to the hurt that was all around me.

Many say “there is nothing wrong with having stuff as long as stuff doesn't have you.” But I find it difficult to have stuff and not let the stuff have me. I mean if I purchase a car it has to be paid for and maintained, same with a house or a gadget.

Also, I did convince myself I deserved a first class vacation because of my neglect to my family by working all the time. When something went wrong I didn't have the words of CHRIST rather I threatened to take my “money” elsewhere. I wonder if I was blind.

• GOD says “buy from ME gold refined in the fire” because it is free of impurities and reflects HIS very nature, this way my wealth is in people not items that can break.
• GOD says “buy white clothes from me” which is the garment of confession, truth, wisdom and purity all of which HE uses to cleanse my unrighteousness.
• GOD says “buy slave to put on your eyes, so you can see” this way I will no longer be blind to how my sin is hurting me and others and I won’t pass by someone in need.

GOD wants me to visit HIS store instead of lusting over the things of this world. I haven’t figured out a way to not let “things have me” but I do realize focusing on GOD brings me legitimate wealth.

• Are you struggling to keep your stuff?
• Do you find yourself wanting more stuff or the latest gadget or the best garments?
• Can you let go of the stuff for a moment and help someone?
• Won’t you seek GOD’s heart and be wealthy HIS way?