“Day 5 (Numbers 5)”

Sunday, February 05, 2017

Today’s reading has 2 sections with 1 central focus – purity. There’s the law which calls for a separation from those who are unclean (v. 2-4). Then there’s the lengthy section over the test of fidelity between a husband and wife (v. 11-31). The aim for each law is the same: purity. There’s the purity in one’s body as he stands before God undefiled. Then there’s the purity in one’s marriage relationship, standing before God, the Priest, and their spouse proving their innocence (purity – v. 28).

Pure means free from filth, spot, or stain. Think of a pure stream – crystal clear – so fresh and inviting. Think of the Mississippi River – looks like chocolate milk – murky, filthy, gross. You wouldn’t drink that water if you were dared. Which describes you? Which describes your heart, your mind, your words, your actions? Are you living a life of purity and innocence, or are you stained by the influence and ways of the world – caught in your own faults. Today – seek purity. Think pure thoughts. Say pure words. Ask God to create in you a clean heart (Psalm 51:10). The defiled are removed from the camp (v. 3, 27). The pure dwell in peace with God and His people (Matt. 5:8). Be pure.

“Holy and Righteous God, You are holy – You are separate and distinct from the world around us. You are always pure, clean, good, and right. The world seeks to defile my heart with its filth, with negative thinking, with cruel words, and immoral behavior. Help me to be like You. Let me live in purity today. Remove the stains of impurity from my mind, and create a clean heart within me. Help me to remember that a day in Your courts are far better than a thousand elsewhere. Let me dwell in Your camp, following Your example, cleansed by the blood of Your Son, O merciful Father.”

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