Bible Reflections From Scripture Union Volume OneSample

The Joy of Being Clean
Read Leviticus 14:1-57

In this way the priest will make atonement before the LORD on behalf of the one to be cleansed. Leviticus 14:31

Matthew 8:4 records that after Jesus cured a person from leprosy, He asked him to show himself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded. Today’s chapter outlines the requirements the person had to fulfil. In the rites we see a similarity to the work that Jesus did for each of us as we come to Him for cleansing and blessing.

God saw that we would not be able to unshackle ourselves from the clutches of sin.Therefore, Jesus came to us while we were sinners, just as the priest went outside the camp to examine the person. We can share his joy as he released a live bird into the air to signify his state of being clean, for that was the feeling when our guilt was washed away by Jesus’ blood.

On the eighth day after he was accepted back into the community, he had to bring a guilt offering, a sin offering and a burnt offering before the Lord. The sequence of the offerings shows that God expects him to devote his life wholly to Him after being cleansed. The application of blood and oil on his right ear lobe, right thumb and right toe is a reminder that he needs to abide in holy living.

We no longer need to bring any of the prescribed offerings as Moses commanded. We have been made holy through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ once for all (Hebrews 10:10). All have equal access to God because Jesus is our High Priest. Therefore let us encourage one another and build each other up.

Let us commit to God our whole spirit, soul and body to be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.