Dirty Feet not Allowed

Before a Muslim in Sumatra can read the Koran he or she must be ritually clean. This ritual process of being clean is called Wudu. The person will wash their face, then their arms up to the elbow, and finish with both their feet. Most mosque have a place for Wudu such as the one pictured here in Pekanbaru.

It is not a bad idea to approach Holy God in a respectful manner. Many believers take the grace of God for granted and approach the Most High in a casual manner that is inappropriate. However, like many good traditions, Wudu can become just a formality and ceremony that loses its meaning.

The other problem with this tradition, is that water is unable to make us truly clean before Holy God. Hebrews 9:22 reminds us that without the shedding of blood there can be no forgiveness of sins. It is sin that makes us unclean. The only fountain that can make us truly clean is the one opened by the sacrifice of the Lamb of God. It is His life blood that makes it possible for us to be clean enough to enter into God’s presence.

Believers would do well to remember the cost of relationship, and to approach God more respectfully. He is Holy and powerful and worthy. Perhaps a mental process like the physical ritual of Wudu might be a good thing for those who are already washed and made clean in the Blood of the Lamb.

Pray for believers on Sumatra to not take the grace of God for granted or to treat it causually.

Pray that believers on Sumatra will realize the cost of their forgiveness and humble themselves before Holy God.

Pray for those who have not yet been washed in the Blood of the Lamb to become aware of the worthlessness of ritual or good works to make them clean.