W@W WRAP – Week 377

Purify our hearts, Lord!
Set us apart and refine us into holy vessels for Your glory!

Read:

Act:

The Hyssop plant is mentioned several times in the Bible, symbolising purification and cleansing. In the Old Testament, it was used during the Passover to protect the Israelites from the final plague in Egypt, which is a symbol of protection and deliverance (Exodus 12:22). It was also used as a ritual for the purification of lepers and those who had contact with the dead, emphasising sanctification and restoration (Leviticus 14:4-6, Numbers 19:18). In Psalm 51:7, David refers to the hyssop in a plea for forgiveness and spiritual and moral cleansing. During Jesus’ crucifixion in the New Testament, hyssop was used to offer Him vinegar, linking to themes of sacrifice, purification, and the fulfilment of prophecy. This symbolises ultimate purification from sin through His sacrifice (John 19:29).

We are by nature sinful and often fail to overcome our weaknesses, fears, challenges and temptations. Yet, if we admit our need for God’s grace and humbly ask for His forgiveness through repentance, He is always faithful (true to His own nature and promises) to forgive us. He will bring a deep cleansing of anything not in line with His will and purpose, and guide us towards the right path. (1 John 1:9)

Let us be determined this week to:

Put our faith in Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Be set apart for our Lord (Psalm 4).
Ask God to refine us (2 Timothy 2:20-22).

So now, let us come before our Lord as honestly as we can.
In Luke 4:18 (NLT) we read, “…He has sent Me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free…”

What is holding you captive, preventing you from seeing or oppressing you from experiencing the fullness of the life our Lord has given you?

In Luke 17:33 (AMP), Jesus encourages us that those who seek to save their lives will ultimately lose it through death. On the other hand, those who lose their lives in this world will keep it and be saved from the consequences of sin and separation from God.

In Matthew 16:24 (AMP), He also said, “If anyone wishes to follow Me [as My disciple], he must deny himself [set aside selfish interests], and take up his cross [expressing a willingness to endure whatever may come] and follow Me [believing in Me, conforming to My example in living and, if need be, suffering or perhaps dying because of faith in Me].”

Are you willing to die to self and surrender all to our Heavenly Father by letting go of your own plans, your desires for control and self-righteousness? Would you be willing to become a holy vessel for God’s Kingdom by prioritising His will over your own interests? Take a moment to reflect on what you need to confess and ask forgiveness for.

May we never forget, just like the hyssop plant was used as a symbol of cleansing in the Bible, God offers each of us the opportunity to be cleansed of our sins, to be made holy, and to be set apart for Him. It is also a reminder that He can use everything, even our mistakes and missteps, for our good and His glory.

Are you willing to step into the new life God desires for you?
And are you ready to affirm the words of Galatians 2:20 (AMP) along with Paul, stating that “I have been crucified with Christ [that is, in Him I have shared His crucifixion]; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body I live by faith [by adhering to, relying on, and completely trusting] in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.”

May our hearts and lives truly burn like a fire that ignites a revival for our Lord! May we choose to be holy vessels, set apart and ready to do God’s will – all for His glory!

Pray:

Father God, we have heard that You want us to be clean vessels. And we pray and ask that You will indeed work in our hearts so that we can, in a new way, understand what Your Son did on the cross for us. The blood of Jesus Christ, Your only begotten Son, has been poured to cleanse us, to purify us, Lord, for a purpose and to bring You glory and honour and to be part of Your family. Lord, You are holy, and as You are holy, Father, You tell us and remind us that without holiness, no one will see the Lord. And so Father, will You, be at work in our hearts and minds. And I ask this in the name of Jesus. Amen.