One of water's many properties is its ability to wash away impurities. Major industries such as mining, petrochemical plants, and manufacturing sectors depend upon this feature in creating their end product. On the domestic level every household relies on an adequate supply of water for the same reason.
When we come to the Word of God we see that water was often used in the religious life of Israel to denote cleansing - not only physical cleansing as a matter of personal hygiene, but also spiritual cleansing from the defilement of sin.
The cleansing of defilement
In the sanctuary – the laver (Ex 40). Priestly service in the tabernacle demanded cleansing from defilement. The priests were instructed to wash their hands and feet at the laver, positioned between the altar of burnt offering and the door of the tent. Even so today we must seek to be clean before we can worship and serve our God (Heb 10.19-22). We keep clean by confession of known sin and avoidance of potential sin, when we submit to the authority of the Word of God in our lives (Eph 5.26).
In the desert – the ashes of the red heifer (Num 19). As the Israelites journeyed through the desert, they could sometimes contract defilement by touching a dead body. Special provision was made for their cleansing using ashes mixed with running water in a vessel. This "water of separation" was sprinkled upon the unclean person.
In the congregation – the cleansing of the leper (Lev 14). After a healed leper was examined by the priest and pronounced clean, a small bird was killed over running water and this was sprinkled seven times upon the leper.
In the upper room – the basin and towel (Jn 13). Our Lord's act of washing His disciples' feet in the upper room before His crucifixion was a demonstration of love and an example of humble service (cp. Gen 43.24). It also was a lesson for generations to come concerning the need for holiness if we are to enjoy communion with Him.
Peter baulked at the idea of the Lord stooping to wash his feet: "Thou shalt never wash my feet", but Jesus answered, "If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me" (Jn 13.8). The Lord meant by this that to have fellowship with Him would require cleansing from sin and a holy life. Peter thought that if that was the case then he wanted a complete body wash, not just a foot wash. To this the Lord replied, "He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit" (v.10). In other words, those who have been saved, cleansed, and forgiven through faith in Him do not need to be saved all over again (Titus 3.5). However, they do need to attend daily to the vital matter of keeping clean. Peter would have known that fishermen needed to wash their nets frequently to make sure they were unsoiled (Lk 5.2).
By contrast, the proud Pharisees were meticulous about the rituals of cleansing while at the same time having hearts that were corrupt and harboured every kind of sin. They manipulated religion for their own selfish ends. The Lord Jesus did not spare them: "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye make clean the outside of the cup and of the platter, but within they are full of extortion and excess" (Mt 23.25). This solemn warning is relevant to all of us, so that our professed holiness is not just skin deep.
Separation from the past
Seas and rivers separate countries, regions, and peoples. Those who have emigrated to distant lands, sailing or flying over vast oceans, have in many ways "burned their bridges" and said goodbye to their former way of life. This has spiritual parallels found in Scripture.
The Red Sea (Ex 14). When the Israelites were delivered from the bondage of Egypt by the redeeming blood of the lamb, they soon faced a formidable barrier on their journey – the Red Sea. With the Egyptian army in hot pursuit, a wonderful thing happened: the cloud that denoted God's presence moved from being before them to come behind them, thus protecting them from their foes. When Moses stretched out his hand, the sea parted allowing the Israelites to cross on dry land. This is a picture of the death of Christ for us, when, by His mighty power, He has affected our deliverance and redemption, and overcome the enemy of our souls.
The River Jordan (Josh 3). At the end of their wilderness journey the children of Israel entered Canaan by an equally miraculous crossing of Jordan. They began to enjoy their inheritance, albeit after conquest (cp. Eph 6.10-18). This reminds us that not only has Christ died for us, but also we have died with Him – died to self, died to the world, died to sin. This realisation opens the doorway for us to lead a victorious Christian life, conquering and gaining new ground for God. It brings us more fully into the rich inheritance that God has for us in Christ (Eph 1.3), and is symbolised in our baptism by immersion in water according to our Lord's command. We are linked with Him in His death and burial, but also in His glorious resurrection.
The brook Kidron (2 Sam 15.23; Jn 18.1). It would seem that this little stream has never presented a major physical obstacle to those who would traverse it, but it has a unique significance in the Bible. King David crossed it as he fled Jerusalem in defeat, avoiding confrontation with his rebellious son and his supporters. Our Lord crossed it with His face set steadfastly to go to the cross. He faced the enemy and secured the victory on behalf of us all who have come to believe in Him.
Heaven! (Rev 21.1). Finally, we should note that in the new heavens there will be no sea. We will not be constrained by any barriers of separation, but rather together we shall enjoy the glory of being forever with the Lord.
To be continued.
