Good morning,
“Okay… what was it Pastor Records said yesterday in church? ‘If you read Leviticus 13, God can fill your heart with something if you’re open to Him. I’m sure of it.’ So… let’s take a look at what it says.”
(about 10 minutes later…)
“Are you kidding? Skin disease… white hairs… black hairs… unclean… clean… flesh… boil… spot… sore… mildew…? What a long chapter on skin problems. Yuckkkk! Is there really any spiritual benefit in such a passage? Any spiritual lessons of value? Well, let’s think about this.
First, a chapter like this reminds me that God cares very much for the physical welfare of His people. These people were in a hostile wilderness and were likely prone to bites and bacteria of many kinds. Perhaps the reactions in the skin and some of the diseases that developed were contagious. We can’t apply modern medicine to biblical times. The medical approaches of our time were simply not available in those days. And since the Fall we can have no expectation of perfect health, perpetual healing, or exemption from death. They needed guidance that could make a difference in their day-to-day health with the extremely limited resources available. So these were precautions and methods supplied by God so that the people had safe and prescribed ways of dealing with common, transferable diseases and infections. And it seems like the concern – over and over again – was the safety and security of the community, and doing everything possible to separate the sick from the well until they are no longer sick: then restoring them to their families and community. Though it seems foreign and unappealing to me, I do not miss the clear indications of God’s caring love for His people. In very tangible ways God is seeing to the well-being of people whom He loves. Thank you, God, for this practical indication of Your nature and mercy.
Second, when I read this chapter I think of the amazing grace and love of Jesus. Verse 45 describes the need and requirements for people with infectious diseases to dress and appear in a way that will repulse others and aid them in keeping their distance. If that were not enough, they are also directed to cry out (about themselves) “Unclean! Unclean!” People were to stay away. Imagine what that must have been like. How humiliating! How isolating! Necessary, but difficult if you’re the unclean one. And yet, when a leper (Matthew 8:1-3) with a very serious skin disease comes to Jesus, we read that Jesus touched him. Unheard of! Touch someone that Law said “Stay away from”? By rights Jesus could have turned His back on him and walked away. But it was a wonderful expression of grace for Jesus to place His hand on him and then heal him. And that’s my Savior! What a privilege to know Him and be loved by Him!
Third, Jesus expected His followers to emulate Him. Not long after He healed the leper, He commanded His disciples to follow His example – literally. They, too, would need to love enough that they would be willing to touch the sick. How can I do something like this, Lord? Certainly not by my will and ability. Only by Your presence and power. Only by Your strength through me, because my impulse is to run away from the person who cries (literally or silently)… “Unclean! Unclean!” In myflesh I want nothing to do with them. But by Your Spirit, I can be like Jesus to them. Lord… help me to be Your hands to those in need around me.
Fourth, mildew can kill, and it’s an indicator of the presence of death in some way. It will spread if not checked. God knew its danger and again makes provision for practices which would lead to life and health and protection of clothing and other articles from destruction. Again… God caring for His people. Praise Him! When you think about it, Leviticus 13 isn’t very pleasant, but it causes me to appreciate the Lord all the more because of His concern and compassion. Thank You, Lord!
Matthew 8:1-3 (NIV) - 1 When he came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. 2A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." 3 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" Immediately he was cured of his leprosy.
Matthew 10:5-8 (NIV) - 5 These twelve Jesus sent out with the following instructions: "Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any town of the Samaritans. 6 Go rather to the lost sheep of Israel. 7As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of heaven is near.' 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.
PRAYER: “Father, thank You for this chapter in Your Word, another reminder to me of Your deep love. You always know what’s best for Your people. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”
Jesus Christ is Lord!
Scott
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