SCRIPTURE: Leviticus 13:38-46
OBSERVATION:
God’s attempt at containing infectious diseases, an early version of quarantine.
We still do this today (meningitus!), but it seems harsher as its written here.
As harsh as it seems, this is a sign of God’s mercy, seeing as how infectious diseases can decimate a population.
It was human nature that turned this merciful quarantine into a cruel rejection and caste system.
Jesus is the perfect priest, declaring sinners unclean in sin, but then declaring them clean by grace!
APPLICATION:
How do I look at those who through no fault of their own become ostracized from society – mental health, AIDS, handicapped.
Today we have different ways of dealing with infectious diseases (also a sign of God’s mercy), but do we still separate people as ‘clean’ and ‘unclean’?
Is our task (as priests) to show people their uncleanness, then declare them clean in Christ?
Jesus has broken down the dividing walls, have I?
Who are the ‘unclean’ among us at church (how we treat them, not how God sees them)?
PRAYER:
Lord, Your have always been concerned about holiness and health. Help me to see that my physical health is also a part of my salvation, and that as my Saviour (Priest) You have declared me fully – spiritually and physically – clean and acceptable. Help me not to treat others as unacceptable or unclean. Amen.
Leviticus 13:38-46
God is interested in our physical health
God want us to be careful not to stereotype all who are losing hair as un clean
Those who had signs of leprosy had to live outside the camp so they would not infect the rest
The good of the whole has precedence over the part
I must realize that the purity of the whole body of Christ is of ultimate importance. In new testament language moral disease will pollute the whole body. In Christ there is redemption and healing but in this passage I think God is saying that we need to eradicate those who are truly unclean. Paul even says we should have nothing to do with the willfully immoral person in the church. But I also need to be careful not to be too quick to label others as unclean or immoral. The beam in my own eye…
Lord I know that I am unclean but you have mercy on me and in Christ I have taken off my filthy rags and put on pure white robes of righteousness. But I know I still prefer the rags at times. Sorry Lord. Help me not to condemn others who also fail. May they also experience your grace and mercy. May I extend the same mercy to them that you extend to me every morning. May your church continue to become the pure and radiant bride that you desire when you return for the great wedding feast. Your love is amazing and you know what’s best for us. So continue to prune me and all of us as your children for that great day when we will see you face to face. Amen