Nehemiah 12:30 “The priests and Levites first purified themselves; then they purified the people, the gates, and the wall.”
As the priest and the Levites were preparing to lead God’s people in worship, they FIRST purified themselves. In PURIFYING themselves, they were making sure they were CLEAN. One commentary said, “The priests and Levites, as spiritual leaders, set an example for the people, highlighting the principle that leaders must first be right with God before leading others in worship.
With this verse, I am reminded of 2 Timothy 2:19-21 where Paul calls on believers to be CLEAN VESSELS. These verses have had great influence on me as I desire to be a vessel in the hand of God to be used to impact the world for His glory. 2 Timothy 2:21 says, “Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, (the latter speaks of sin, cf. vs 19) he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.” To cleanse oneself is to ask God to examine you from head to toe and confess (1 John 1:9) any sins He points out.
This verse also reminds me of an Old Testament ceremony of consecration where Aaron and his sons are dedicated to the work of the Lord. Leviticus 8:24 says. “Then he brought Aaron’s sons. And Moses put some of the blood on the tips of their right ears, on the thumbs of their right hands, and on the big toes of their right feet. And Moses sprinkled the blood all around on the altar.”
This ceremony of consecration dedicated the priest from head to toe. The right ear was consecrated as the priest was to hear the voice of God. The right thumb spoke of the priest’s work for the Lord. The right big toe represented the priest walking with God.
As you look to a new year, may you PURIFY yourself to be a clean, holy, sanctified vessel for the Lord.
Continue Strong as a clean vessel, useful to the Master,
And remember to DATE THE WORD