Read Leviticus 14
Highlights:
After reading these chapters, you will discover how detestable sin is in the eyes of God. Separation from sin is of utmost importance to have fellowship with God. Be "clean" in mind, thought, and deed.
All lepers would surely defile everything they touched. Consequently, they were consigned to isolation beyond the reach of human aid. And the leper in whom the plague is, his clothes shall be rent, and his head bare, and he shall put a covering upon his upper lip, and shall cry, Unclean, unclean. All the days wherein the plague shall be in him he shall be defiled; he is unclean: he shall dwell alone; without the camp shall his habitation be (Lev. 13:45-46).
The word "leprosy" struck terror in the heart of an Israelite for two reasons. First, the person who had leprosy became an outcast from society. He was forced to leave his home — his family, friends, and the place of worship — and exist outside the camp. When anyone went near him, the leper had to cry out the warning: Unclean, unclean. But perhaps the most horrifying reason leprosy was so feared was that there was no known cure for it.
Leprosy often appears as just a small, harmless, pink spot — but how dreadful, loathsome, and fatal it eventually becomes. Leprosy illustrates how detestable sin is to God. It may first appear as insignificant. Like leprosy, sin immediately separates us from God and makes us unclean. People controlled by sin exist in a state of living death and only Christ can cleanse a sinner. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us . . . through Jesus Christ our Saviour (Titus 3:5-6).When we turn to Christ, truly repent, and forsake our sins, the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanseth us from all sin. . . . If we confess our sins, He (God) is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (I John 1:7,9).
This illustrates how only Christ could touch a leper and the leper be instantly healed. The leper typifies how Christ reaches out to seek and to save that which was lost (Luke 19:10).
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God; Not of works, lest any man should boast (Eph. 2:8-9). All the "good works" we could do in a lifetime could not save us. But once we are saved, we will be known for our good works. Whoso looketh into the perfect Law of Liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed (James 1:25).
Thought for Today:
They which have believed in God . . . be careful to maintain good works (Titus 3:8).
Christ Portrayed:
By the priest who made atonement for the leper (Lev. 14:20). Our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement (reconciliation) (Rom. 5:11).
Word Studies:
14:2 leper one who has leprosy, a name given to various types of skin diseases as well as the incurable form of leprosy; 14:8 tarry abroad stay outside his tent; 14:32 whose hand is not able who cannot afford; 14:37 lower than the wall below the surface of the plaster; 15:2 running issue discharge; 15:33 of her flowers with her monthly period.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Official: Rep. Vern Ehlers (MI) • Country: Suriname (431,000) on the northeastern coast of South America • Major languages: Dutch and English • Very limited religious freedom • 27% Hindu; 22% Roman Catholic; 20% Protestant; 20% Muslim; 6% witchcraft and spirit worship • Prayer Suggestion: Be specific in your prayers (Luke 18:41-43).
Optional Reading: Mark 9
Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:1-3