Exodus 40:32-33 When they went into the tent of the congregation, and when they came near unto the altar, they washed; as the Lord commanded Moses. And he reared up the court round about the tabernacle and the altar, and set up the hanging of the court gate. So Moses finished the work.
Moses and the people finally finished the detailed work of constructing and setting up the tabernacle, according to the commands of the Lord. The faithful, obedient response ended up with a holy place for the Holy God in the midst of the people.
Now Moses and Aaron and the priests were able to go into the tent and come near the altar. But they could go in to a holy place only after they washed according the Lord’s command. Along with the preparations of appropriate rituals and sacrifices they also washed themselves in the laver. It is not that God cares if you are physically dirty or not, but you must be spiritually clean. God’s Holiness cannot allow the presence of sin.
Therefore, we understand that we NT believers prepare ourselves to come before God by washing in Holy Baptism, called the washing of the Word. We are only baptized once, but we remember our Baptism daily by repentance and faith in the Gospel. Thus we are always ready to come to Him in prayer, praise and thanks. We prepare the heart for participation in the Lord’s Supper through the same repentance and faith.
We are allowed to go in to God’s Presence and come near to Him because the Blood of Christ has made us spiritually clean. The Blood has washed us clean, our faith has saved us. We respond by remembering our baptism and reaffirming our faith. Baptism is the Washing the Lord commands. Anywhere, at any time, in any need, we may confidently come before God, receive His blessing, pray in Jesus’ name, and receive the help we need. Wash = Remember your Baptism; then pray in Jesus’ name.