1 Kings 7:23-51

There was much water in the temple. The Sea held 11,000 gallons, and each of the ten carts held 220 gallons. The water was used for purification. I would imagine that killing so many sacrifices would be an extremely bloody affair! Priests, like anyone else, would get dirty—even while serving in ministry. They needed to be washed, and the water was for this purpose.

They would offer sin offerings of bulls and goats on the altar. The shedding of blood was necessary for the remission (forgiveness) of sins. These pointed to the cross where the shed blood of Jesus Christ would take away the sin of the world.

When we believe in Jesus, we are saved, and our sins are forgiven. We become a new creation in Christ and have peace with God. But as we tread through this world, we become dirty. Even while serving the Lord we can become defiled by the things coming out of our own hearts (and mouths). We need to be cleansed, and this comes from the water of the Word.

As the apostle Paul wrote to husbands, he said:

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.” (Ephesians 5:25–27, NKJV)

Jesus told His disciples:

“You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.” (John 15:3, NKJV)

One of the reasons it is wise to spend time daily in the Word, is because it has this cleansing affect in our lives. The Lord uses it to wash away lies, evil thoughts, and selfish desires from our hearts. Jesus cleanses us with His Word so that we may be a pure bride without fault.

As you spend time today reading or listening to the Bible, ask the Lord to cleanse you and set you apart for His good purpose.