Clean hands and pure hearts

One of my Mom’s favourite, frequent questions was “Did you wash your hands?”

Clean hands were important to my Mom because polio, small pox and the great flu epidemic greatly impacted her generation. Hands transfer germs and bacteria that cause disease. Washing your hands helps prevent the spread of disease.

Before we were allowed to eat any meal or snack we had to wash our hands. It was the Jewish custom to ceremonially wash their hands before eating. Hands had to be “baptised” or immersed in clean water.  The Pharisees tried to use this custom to condemn the disciples of Jesus in Matthew 15:1-11. What did Jesus say about this?

When people want to indicate that they are finished with a frustrating project they say, “I have washed my hands of the matter.”  Or when someone wants to declare their innocence they say, “My hands are clean.” Think of Pilot as he washed his hands in front of the crowd who demanded the death of Jesus. He said, “My hands are clean of this man’s blood.” (Matthew 27:24)  What do you think about the guilt of Pilot in the death of Jesus?

In Psalm 24 we read this question: Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in His Holy Place? The answer is those with clean hands, pure hearts, who have not worshiped idols or told lies. Take a moment to pray. Ask God to “cleanse your hands and purify your heart.” Ask God to help you enter into His Presence to worship Him. Prepare to invite the King of Glory to enter into this place in an amazing way today! Are your hands clean?

By Debi Bell