Bible Pathway - Feb. 6, 2012

Highlights:

After reading these chapters, you will discover how awful sin is in the eyes of God. "Separation from sin" are the key words in today's Scripture. God expects His people to be "clean" clear through — not just in outward appearance.

This is the Law for all manner of plague of leprosy. . .To teach when it is unclean, and when it is clean (Lev. 14:54-57).

The disease of leprosy made a man unfit for society, separated him from the place of worship, and even forced him to leave his home and loved ones. He shall dwell alone; without the camp (13:46). He was an outcast and had to confess himself: Unclean, unclean (13:45). He defiled everything and everyone he touched.

Just as the leper was banished from the place of worship and the assembly of Israel, so the unsaved sinner is shut out from Jehovah's presence because of his defilement. He is unfit for fellowship with God.

If, by the mercy of God, a leper was healed, he still could not be restored to his home, society, or worship until after the priest pronounced the leper healed. Then two birds were brought for sacrifice. One was slain and its blood mingled with living water, symbolic of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God in operation through the living Christ who died on Calvary's cross. Then, the other bird was dipped into the water, mingled with blood, and was set free to fly into the sky — symbolic of Christ's resurrection and His ascension into heaven. It further symbolized that when the sinner is cleansed, he is free. The power of sin is broken, and we no longer have to live under the condemnation and power of Satan.

The cleansing and restoration of the leper foreshadowed the precious work of our Savior, who cleanses us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:9). The leper was helpless to pronounce himself cleansed. The priest had to first go forth out of the camp (Lev. 14:3) and make the sacrifice for the leper's cleansing and restoration.

Throughout the entire ceremony, the leper did nothing until after the blood was sprinkled (14:7). Even so, after a sinner confesses his sin and is cleansed by the blood, he is brought into fellowship with God and is a redeemed worshiper.

And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped Him, saying, Lord, if Thou wilt, Thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth His hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed (Matt. 8:2-3).

Thought for Today:

And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God (Rom. 12:2).

Christ Portrayed:

By the priest who made atonement for a cleansed leper (Lev. 14:20). Our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement (reconciliation) (Rom. 5:11).

Word Studies:

14:8 tarry abroad, delay outside, stay outside his tent; 14:23 unto, in front; 14:32 whose hand is not able, who cannot afford; 14:38 shut up, quarantine; 14:41 within round about, all around inside; 15:19 put apart, keep separate, in a state of impurity.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts: In memory of Iva Ann McElroy (Dr. John A. Hash's mother) • Staff: Barbara Bivens • Country: Russia (146.5 million) northeastern Europe and northern Asia • Major language: Russian • Religious freedom • 55% Russian Orthodox; 9% Muslim; 1% Protestant (Baptist, Pentecostal); .8% Shamanist/Animist; .6% Buddhist; .5% Roman Catholic; .5% New Religions (e.g., Hare Krishna); .4% Jewish; .1% Old Believers; 32.1% Agnostics/Atheists/Others • Prayer Suggestion: Ask the Lord to show you what to do, and then be willing to do it (Acts 9:6).

Optional Reading: Mark 9

Memory Verse for the Week: Ephesians 3:17