An hour at the mirror

We all know the time. It's date night and it is time to get looking spiffy. Us ladies will spend copious amounts of time, creaming, blow drying, doing make-up, perfuming and dressing all to look our best for our date. All of this puffing is done to avoid any embarrassing moments and the phrase that paid in the 80's, “I nearly died!” Well for the priesthood that may well have been a reality.

The brazen laver served a similar purpose. It is the second of two objects located in the Tabernacle's outer court. It was placed between the tent and the altar and its purpose was to be used to wash the hands and feet of the priest, thus purifying themselves in preparation for ministry. Failure to do so would result in death. The brazen laver was made of polished bronze and it was polished until it obtained mirror like qualities.

The ministry of John the Baptist was to prepare the way for Jesus. He preached repentance of sin and baptism in water for remission of sin. Jesus changed the nature of Baptism when He came to John to be baptized. Although He was without sin, Jesus was baptized to fulfill the model of the Brazen Laver that required purity through washing prior to entering ministry. Jesus changed the form of baptism when He came up from the water and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him. Jesus was therefore empowered to enter into ministry. In doing this Jesus was then able to baptize others with the Holy Spirit, therein empowering them minister with power and have a deeper relationship with God.

How does this apply to our lives today? As Christians when we are baptized in water and in the Holy Spirit, we receive power from God to do the same works the disciples did and the ability to connect with God on a personal level. How does that apply to worship? When we praise God with the power of the Holy Spirit active within us, we are able to experience a powerful and intimate connection with God. This power gives us the strength to live every day with God as our source.