“You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ ” — 1 Corinthians 6:11
In Old Testament times, priests who had already been consecrated for service were still required to wash their hands in the courtyard of the Tabernacle before they dared to approach that holy place. In New Testament times, those of us who are born again in Christ are completely washed and consecrated to God by Jesus’ death and resurrection. Though we are “washed” in Christ, the Bible still encourages us to participate in moments of deep repentance and reflection for our sins.
…Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double minded…Humble yourself in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.” .. James 4:8-10
Let’s try to begin this Holy Week “experience” .. with a symbolic washing of our hands .. as a way to spiritually prepare our hearts, thanking God for opening the door for you and I .. to seek His face, and then asking Him to open our eyes, our hearts, and our minds – that we might hear Him speak today.
This experience is between you and God. Before you begin, take a deep breath, pause, and ask God to help you enter into a time of earnest reflection and prayer this Holy Week .. Ask Him to open your mind and heart to whatever He has for you each day of this week, and pray that He might help you more fully understand and appreciate the events of The Passion of Jesus Christ durring this passion week. We believe a fuller understanding of the sober events of Good Friday will lay the foundation for an even greater and more joyous celebration on Easter