Wash Your Hands
- Alan Fong
- Nov 16
- 3 min read
Today's Verse:
I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD: ~Psalm 26:6
There was a time many years ago when doctors were concerned about the high mortality rate of babies who died shortly after birth due to infections. They learned that these deaths could have been avoided by simply washing their hands before touching a patient. Today, it is a standard practice for doctors and medical professionals to wash their hands with bacterial soap under warm running water. All restaurants have signs telling their employees to thoroughly wash their hands before they touch or handle any food. We know that good hygiene demands that all of us wash our hands before meals and after we have been in contact with people. This morning, let us be reminded that “washing our hands” is a mandated requirement for serving God.
We see the metaphor.
The picture David gives us is of the priest as he approaches the service of God. In the tabernacle, there was a laver filled with water. At the laver, the priest would be required to stop and wash his hands and feet before he could serve the Lord. Our hands always symbolize our service to God. The washing of our hands is a picture of our cleansing before God. It is an absolute must that our lives are clean and pure before we serve the living God. Let us not be flippant when it comes to serving God. Let us be sure our hands are washed.
We see the means.
“I will wash mine hands in innocency.” When it comes to spiritual handwashing, there are some important steps involved in this. First, we should wash our hands with sincerity. By this, I am referring to taking time to evaluate who we were with, what we said, and what we did. We must evaluate how and in what way we defiled ourselves and broke fellowship with God. We must be careful that we come before God with sincerity. Second, we should wash our hands with sorrow. When David used the word "innocency," it implied godly sorrow about the sins he committed. David knew full well the importance of coming to God with a contrite and broken heart when it came to repentance of sins. Third, we must wash our hands scrupulously. All stains, dirt marks, and anything under our fingernails must be cleansed from our hands. When we are done washing our hands, we must be able to say that we washed our hands in innocency.
We see the ministry.
“I will wash mine hands in innocency: so will I compass thine altar, O LORD.” David knew that the only way we can approach God is with a clean and purified heart. He knew he was coming into the holy presence of God. The ministry of approaching the presence of God is one we must uphold with the highest regard and reverence. Our hearts should beat rapidly as we consider approaching the presence of God. Our hearts should beat with anticipation when it comes to approaching God. Coming to the altar with unwashed or partially clean hands disqualifies us from being fit and acceptable before God. Our prayers will not be answered. Our service is nullified. Our credibility is unacceptable. God cannot and will not use a dirty vessel. However, when our hearts and lives are clean, God accepts us and is ready to put us to great use for His glory.
Washing our hands must be a formality. Washing our hands must be frequent. Make sure you have washed your hands before you approach the presence of God!
Have a hand-washed God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Acts 9-10
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