A Fountain for Washing Away Sin
Scripture Reading — Zechariah 12:10-13:1
On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity.
In today’s reading from Zechariah 12, the Lord God of Israel is speaking, and the Lord describes himself as “the one they have pierced.” This phrase is quoted later in a description of Jesus’ death on the cross, saying, “These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: ‘Not one of his bones will be broken,’ and . . . ‘They will look on the one they have pierced’” (John 19:36-37). Through the prophet Zechariah, God was describing the thrust of a Roman spear into Jesus’ side.
Another prophet, Isaiah, also described Jesus’ suffering: “He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).
When God pours out his Spirit, we mourn over our sins and look to the Savior, pierced on the cross for our sake—and we are washed clean. No ordinary shower with soap and water can wash away sin. Only the blood of Jesus Christ shed on the cross can do that.
Have you felt remorse for your sin? Have you looked upon the one who was pierced? By faith in Jesus, whose shed blood washes our sin away, you can be forgiven and saved.
Thank you, Lord Jesus, that we don’t have to be haunted by guilt or by an impure conscience. Thank you for the fountain that washes away even the worst filth. We pray in your name. Amen.
About the author — George Young
George Young, a native New Yorker, worked as a taxi driver in New York City before studying to become a pastor. Then he, his wife Ruth, and their children were missionaries for many years in northeastern Japan. They worked with ministers and believers from the Reformed Church in Japan to spread the good news of salvation in Christ and establish new churches. Now George and Ruth are retired and live in the northeastern United States, nearer to their children and grandchildren.
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