CLEANLINESS IS NEXT TO GODLINESS

Dearly Beloved, CLEANLINESS IS NEXT TO GODLINESS “When [the priests] go into the tabernacle of meeting, or when they come near the altar to minister, to burn an offering made by fire to the Lord, they shall wash with water, lest they die” (Exodus 30:20 NKJV). When the deadly COVID-19 broke out in late 2019 and early 2020, one of the preventive measures put in place in many public places is running water for washing hands. People are enjoined to thoroughly wash their hands before entering public places and sanitize their hands regularly even after the washing. This is applicable at the entrance of many churches also. This may not be strange to Muslims who have the tradition of not only washing hands but also some other parts of their bodies before entering mosques or performing the daily mandatory prayers. These health and religious practices confirm the popular saying: cleanliness is next to godliness. As the people of Israel were going to the Promised Land through the wilderness, God prioritized the issue of cleanliness when the people, especially the priests, were about to perform religious duties. In the above-quoted text, God reiterated this by ordering Moses to prepare a washing utensil between the Tent of Meeting and the altar so that Aaron and his sons (and by extension other priests that would descend from them) would be able to wash their hands and feet as a prerequisite to their offering of sacrifice to Him. The penalty for the violation of the instruction was death! The practice was to be a lasting one among the priests. For health reasons, it is good to wash one’s hands and other parts of one’s body, not only before performing any act of worship to God but also all the time. However, God is expecting His people to “wash their hearts” before coming to Him and at all times. This would make them clean and holy. This is what the Psalmist was communicating in Psalm 24:3-4: “Who may ascend into the hill of the Lord? Or who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol, nor sworn deceitfully” (NKJV). Outward cleansing is not enough. How clean and holy are you inwardly (in your heart) as you worship God, and even in your other daily activities? Come to God in cleanliness and holiness. In His service, Bayo Afolaranmi (Pastor). Prayer Point: Pray that you will prioritize your inward cleansing, not only the outward one, as you worship God and all the time.