Counsels on Christian Worldview

Counsel #5 — The Laver

Picture: Counsel #5 — The Laver CCW 50.1

Besides the Altar of Burnt Offering, there was a large basin called the Laver in the tabernacle's courtyard. Priests had to wash here before serving, symbolizing the purity of Jesus, our ultimate High Priest. Because it required a perfectly pure High Priest to mediate in and address human sin, this act teaches us that simply trying to cleanse ourselves isn't enough. Physical washing itself can't save us from death. Titus 3:5 explains that only God can truly cleanse and transform us through the Holy Spirit. Only He can make us righteous. Realizing this, we should focus on God's power to change us, rather than relying in any way on our own efforts.^[67] CCW 50.2

“When they 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 CCW 50.3

“Between the altar and the door of the tabernacle was the brass laver made from the mirrors that had been the freewill offering of the women of Israel. At the laver the priests were to wash their hands and feet whenever they went into the sacred apartments or approached the altar to offer a burnt offering unto the Lord.” Ellen White in From Eternity Past, p. 240.3 CCW 50.4

Reflect: Think about the relationship between the physical act of washing at the Laver and the spiritual transformation and cleansing only God can provide. How do these two aspects complement each other in your faith journey? CCW 50.5