Instructions are given about the sacrifice of a red heifer, a young cow never used for work (v1-11). The whole animal is to be burned up and its ashes taken outside the camp in a ceremonially clean place (v9). Where this gets fascinating is that the ashes are then used for water used for ceremonial washing (v11). If anyone has come in contact with a dead body they have to be washed with these ceremonial waters before they can enter the tabernacle for worship (v11-22).

What does this all mean for us today? Death has come into this world as a result of sin and is something we need cleansing to be delivered from. Death speaks of the corrupting impact of sin in someone’s life.

The ashes of the red heifer being used for the ceremonial waters to bring cleansing, speaks of how salvation and cleansing come to us. Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross brings cleansing and that cleansing comes to people through the work of the Holy Spirit (symbolised by water and baptism). At rebirth the cleansing of the cross becomes real in someone’s soul.

Notice this important point (v13, 20), anyone who the waters of cleansing have not been applied to, have no part among God’s people. Only at rebirth can we truly become part of the church.