Bible Pathway - Feb. 6, 2010
Highlights:
Purification of skin diseases; the law of uncleanness of men and women; sacrifice for cleansing from defilements.
Verses for Today:
This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing . . . Then shall the priest command to take for him that is to be cleansed two birds alive and clean . . . he . . . shall dip . . . the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water: And he shall sprinkle upon him that is to be cleansed from the leprosy seven times, and shall pronounce him clean, and shall let the living bird loose into the open field (Lev.. 14:2,4,6-7).Feel the total despair as the priest diagnosed the condition of this pitiful person as unclean. You say goodbye for the last time, to your family and loved ones. For now you must live outside the camp. You awake every morning unneeded and uncared for by anyone. And then, beyond your wildest dreams, the leprosy disappears! Imagine the joy of being restored to your friends and family and the privilege of worshiping the Living God.
The rites for the cleansing of the person who has been healed of leprosy were necessary to restore that person back into the worshiping community. The first part of the cleansing ritual was celebrated by presenting two live and clean birds. One of the birds is killed and placed in a clay pot with fresh water. The living bird is dipped in the blood in the pot. Then the blood from the pot is sprinkled on the person to be cleansed and the living bird is released to fly away. The bird that dies portrays what would have happened to the person if he was not cleansed. The bird that flies away may be symbolic of the new life now given to the healed person as he watches the bird vanish from sight!
Some of the blood of the Trespass Offering is to be put upon the tip of the right ear of him that is to be cleansed, and upon the thumb of his right hand, and upon the great toe of his right foot (14:14,25). Some of the oil is sprinkled seven times before the Lord (vss. 16,27) so this person, brought back from outside the camp into fellowship again with the people of God, is now dedicated again to hearing, serving, and walking with the Living God.
One of the reasons for witnessing to our faith with people "outside the camp" and for inviting them to faith and life in Christ is knowing we are truly messengers of good news to them. People are lost in sin. We have a message of redemption and reconciliation. What greater joy can there be than sharing that Good News?
The Holy Spirit led the Apostle Paul to write: Know ye not that ye are the Temple of God, and . . . the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the Temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the Temple of God is Holy (I Cor. 3:16-17).
Thought for Today:
Therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's (I Cor. 6:20).
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 = 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 International Broadcasts sponsored by Evelyn Roberts • Government Official: Rep. Vern Ehlers (MI) • Country: United Arab Emirates (2 million) on the eastern Arabian Peninsula • Major languages: Arabic and Farsi • Pressure and hostility against Christians are increasing • 95% Muslim; 4% Christian • Prayer Suggestion: Pray and fast in secret so that only the Lord knows (Matt. 6:16-18).
Optional Reading: Mark 9
Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:2-4
