Cleansed And Set Free
Sunday, June 29
Leviticus 14:6-7 (NIV)
“He is then to take the live bird and dip it, together with the cedar wood, the scarlet yarn and the hyssop, into the blood of the bird that was killed over the fresh water. Seven times he shall sprinkle the one to be cleansed of the defiling disease, and then pronounce them clean. After that, he is to release the live bird in the open fields.”
Devoción
This Old Testament ritual may seem strange at first glance, but it paints a powerful picture of what Christ has done for us, and what takes place in baptism.
Two birds were involved in the cleansing ceremony for someone healed of a skin disease. One bird was sacrificed over fresh (running) water, symbolizing both death and purification. The second bird, dipped in the blood of the first, was released into the open field, symbolizing new life and freedom.
In baptism, we witness a similar exchange. Jesus, the sinless One, was sacrificed so that we might be cleansed. As we go into the water, we identify with his death, dying to our old selves. As we rise from the water, we identify with his resurrection, rising into new life, free from the chains of sin.
Just like the living bird, we are not meant to remain bound or captive by our past. We are released, washed clean and declared free in the sight of God. Baptism powerfully declares that we belong to the One who saves us. The old has gone, the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17)..
Today's Prayer
Querido Padre Celestial,
Thank You for the cross and for the life You gave so that I could be free. Thank You for the cleansing power of Your blood and the fresh start You offer me. I surrender to You and receive the fullness of new life. Help me to walk daily in the freedom You purchased, never returning to what You’ve already set me free from. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Aplíquelo hoy mismo
Just as the living bird was released into an open field, you have been released to live a new kind of life, one that reflects the cleansing and freedom Christ has given you. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you identify any areas where you're still living as though you're bound. Then take a step, whether it's forgiving someone, letting go of shame, or choosing obedience in a hard area, that reflects your new identity in Christ.
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