The Cleansing by Water

Notice the particular brass out of which the laver was made (Ex. 38:8). It was the “looking glasses of the women.” When the metal was highly polished, they could behold themselves in it. As the priests approached the laver, they too would find a reflection of themselves; so now, the believer is tested as to his state, God leading him to feel his shortcomings from day to day. These failures need the cleansing power of the Word; this we get pictured for us in the water put into the laver. Our state is made manifest, and our ways can be cleansed only through the Word of God. This cleansing is needed daily, for our feet become defiled in passing through an ungodly world. The bath of regeneration is needed but once, for one can be born again but once (John 13:10). The priests were washed in connection with the consecration. After that, they washed their hands and feet in connection with service. Those now made priests unto God should serve continually (1 Pet. 2:5,9), but the daily use of the laver shows the need of constant self-judgment. How often God’s dear people are hindered in prayer, service, and enjoyment of the Lord because of the lack of this.
Some talk about re-application of the blood, but this is not according to Scripture. “We are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once” (Heb. 10:10). “By one offering He hath perfected forever them that are sanctified” (Heb. 10:14). Water filled the laver — not blood. The question of guilt was eternally settled at the cross for all who believe, and it is blessed to be at rest as to all our sins through the finished work of Christ. As to our walk, Christ is the standard; and having this blessed hope of being like Him, there is the purifying ourselves as He is pure (1 John 3:3). May we allow God’s blessed Word its full place in our lives, being cleansed by it from the defilement we may gather as we journey down here; thus will we be a separated people — separated from evil, and separated to God — and our lives will be to His glory. “Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31).