Stay-Clean

Daily Reading: Numbers 19

Scripture Focus: They shall be kept for the water for impurity for the congregation of the people of Israel; it is a sin offering... This shall be a perpetual statute for the people of Israel, and for the stranger who sojourns among them. (Numbers 19.9b-10)

Devotional Thought: God is interested in more than forgiveness. He wants his people to be clean. He gave Moses instructions for various sacrifices for the remittance of sins, but in Numbers 19, he also gave a prescription for the cleansing of people from all manner of uncleanness. It was the "water of purification." God knew that his people would encounter things in everyday life that would render them 'unclean.' Those things did not require blood sacrifice, but simply a way of cleansing.

This is "a perpetual statute." God has made a way for us to be kept clean as well. Through the blood of Jesus we have forgiveness of sins. But, we encounter things in everyday life that would render us unclean. Jesus himself came in contact with sin and suffering and death. Jesus was not made unclean through those social contacts. Rather, he brought his holiness and purity to them. By the same token, his presence in our lives has a cleansing effect. He is the perpetual water of cleansing!

So, we can enter into life with confidence knowing that his holiness is greater than the contaminating aspect of sin. We don't have to hide away lest we somehow are rendered unclean. The Bible says, "If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1.7)

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross that I might be forgiven of my sins. Thank you also that you provide a perpetual cleansing for me. Help me to live with confidence in your amazing grace!

Psalm of the Day: 129 Your testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them. 130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple. 131 I open my mouth and pant, because I long for your commandments. 132 Turn to me and be gracious to me, as is your way with those who love your name. 133 Keep steady my steps according to your promise, and let no iniquity get dominion over me. 134 Redeem me from man's oppression, that I may keep your precepts. 135 Make your face shine upon your servant, and teach me your statutes. 136 My eyes shed streams of tears, because people do not keep your law. (Psalms 119:129-136)