Thurs.’s Devo - The Laws of Leprosy

Read: Leviticus 13:1-59; Mark 6:1-29; Psalm 39:1-13; Proverbs Proverbs 10:10 There are three different kinds of skin diseases: leprosy, boils and burns. They were treated by the priest and healing depended on the spread of the area, swelling, whether it was skin deep and the color of the skin and the color of hair that grew from it. The concern of the priest was whether the person was contagious or not. His responsibility was to keep the others from being exposed and determining if the person was clean or unclean. *** Since Romans tells us that the law is spiritual we know that this has something we can learn from it. Sin is a matter of the flesh. In my understanding, leprosy had to do with general sin. We are all sinners and doomed to die. Leprosy was a sin that could affect others. Pretty much all sin can fall into that category after a while. Boils seem to be dealing with anger since it causes our blood to boil so the saying goes. Burns seem to be dealing with lusts that burn in our hearts. It may be lust for things or another person. All of these can be dealt with on our own by just repenting and changing our actions. But, if the sin goes further than skin deep and has festered for a while, it becomes a matter of greater surgery on our part. *** The priest who is constantly examining us is Jesus, our High Priest. He decides when we can be around people (used for ministry) and not be a contagion to them. *** These things can spread to our garments and make our sin become so obvious it is like a garment around us. To me, this is when our sin becomes a lifestyle. Our lifestyles can be cleansed also. *** Jesus went through the rejection in his own town. It was hard for them to not think of him as the son of Mary instead of the Son of God. He sent out his disciples and told them what to do if they were rejected. They were to shake off the dust under their feet as a testimony of what it would be like for them in the day of judgment. They were also not to take provisions for themselves but let the people provide for them. It would be a blessing for them. *** When King Herod heard about Jesus he felt convicted about John the Baptist who he had beheaded. He reminisced over his birthday. Herod had stolen his brother’s wife, Herodias and married her. John the Baptist had spoken out against this (he certainly got involved in the politics of his day). Herodias had her daughter dance before the king on his birthday and when he asked her what she wanted in return, her mother told her to ask for John’s head on a platter right then. Herod, regrettably gave it to her to save his face. *** Now that Jesus had taken up John’s ministry, he was afraid that John the Baptist had risen from the dead and was back to haunt him. Amazing how sin can condemn you and give you unimaginable fears. *** Lord, help us keep our hearts and our garments clean. As we watch things fall help us to keep in mind that you are the one who is going to rebuild them according to your ways.