"Wash your hands" by Jacob Powell

(Make sure the read INTRO to the week, which is posted below. Thanks! Enjoy.)

But then, there was six; six, very large, stone water pots. Stop. I want you to imagine the pots – the look, the feel. Now look inside. What do you see? I see water – a symbol of life and purity. I also see a Jewish ritual of purification that has survived for centuries. The water in those water pots represented the first element that permitted access to the festival. Water was the back stage pass – no exceptions. Those jugs, holding nearly 30 gallons of water apiece, provided the source of cleanliness for all those that were about to eat and drink. The process was simple. First, the hand is held upright so that the water runs down towards the wrist. Second, with the hand pointed down, the water is poured from wrist to fingertips. Third, the opposite fist is used to scrub the palm of the wet hand. Repeat process and then wash the feet. Once you have completed these steps, you are considered clean, and can partake in eating and drinking. If you do not go through the process of purification, then you are unclean, and cannot experience the meal – the abundance that is provided by the host. Did you catch it? Do not move past it too quickly. Not only did the guest do this at the beginning, but they also did this ritual between each course during the meal – the abundance provided by the host.
Maybe you long to be at a setting like this with our Maker. Can you imagine the opportunity to laugh, eat and drink, and dance in His presence? The very thought is warm and exhilarating! You can see the activities. You can hear the sounds, and smell the fragrances of the feast. But there is one thing in the way – water. Or maybe you have entered the wedding feast, but are in between courses. The server is waiting for something before he places the plate in front of you. He is waiting for your interaction with water. I encourage you today to take sometime to wash away the filth from your hands, which are givers of life or death. Wash the dirt from your feet, which bring the good news of salvation. I can see Jesus anxiously waiting with an awkward smile, as if to say, “Would you wash your hands already? The party is about to begin.”

“Purify our hearts, Oh Lord, that we may receive the bread and wine of the festival meal – the abundance, and enter in to celebrate with joy, in Your presence. Amen.”