Isn't the Book of Leviticus amazing?? Or more so our God? Isn't He really an awesome God? We must remember that this book of the Law was given in the time of Moses, a time when there is no knowledge whatsoever about bacteria, or viruses. Yet, though man has no knowledge of such things, they actually exist. God in His wisdom uses these ceremonial laws not only to teach the Israelites about purity and "cleanness", but also to protect them from viral and bacterial infection, that could come about through skin diseases, bodily discharges, mildew etc. Isn't our God amazing?
But I also learnt something else through these 2 chapters. Notice, after the separation from the people of God, an unclean person must first cleanse him or herself, before returning to the people. And the person must offer a sin offering, a burnt offering and a grain offering. When the priest makes the atonement for the people, the priest will place the blood of the sacrifice on the person. Interestingly, the priest will also put the oil of the offering on the same parts of the person aswell.
This is a stark reminder of a few things, namely:
1) Sicknesses and uncleanness (be it discharges; mildew etc) are a result of sin in the eyes of God. I believe before the fall of man, there is no such thing as decomposition; hence, there will be no such need for viruses or bacteria. Do not forget, man was created to live with God eternally. Corruption and decay came after the fall. The constant need for the people of God to offer asin and burnt offering for uncleanness, reminds the people of God of our fallen nature and devastation of sin.
2) The oil for healing was placed on the same areas as the blood that was placed on the person making the offering. It's a reminder that healing is part of the ministry of the priest, but more importantly, healing is part of the entire atonement. And in our times, we must remember that Christ exchanged for us on the Cross more than the forgiveness of sins and redemption, but also our healing. It is part of the ministry of the Cross. Healing is not just another gift; it is an integral part of the work of atonement and cleansing. Sickness and infirmities are viewed as a work of sin, therefore through the Cross ofthe Lord, we received BOTH forgiveness and healing. We must claim our right to healing!!
3) Lev 15:31 "You must keep the Israelites separate from things that make them unclean, so they will not die in their uncleanness for defiling my dwelling place, which is among them." for all of us. All that God is teaching about cleanliness is much more about personal hygiene. It is a reminder of the need to keep ourselves pure from the things that defile us. And they are all around us. But God's grace is sufficient when we are weak. Be alert and keep ourselves pure and holy, for the Lord God we serve is a Holy God.
4) Let's appreciate the work of the Cross of Jesus.
In Hebrews 10:1-25 we read: "The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming-not the realities themselves. For this reason it can never, by the same sacrifices repeated endlessly year after year, make perfect those who draw near to worship. If it could, would they not have stopped being offered? For the worshipers would have been cleansed once for all, and would no longer have felt guilty for their sins. But those sacrifices are an annual reminder of sins, because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.
Therefore, when Christ came into the world, he said: "Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; with burnt offerings and sin offerings you were not pleased. Then I said, 'Here I am-it is written about me in the scroll- I have come to do your will, O God.' "First he said, "Sacrifices and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not desire, nor were you pleased with them" (although the law required them to be made). Then he said, "Here I am, I have come to do your will." He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.
Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God. Since that time he waits for his enemies to be made his footstool because by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.
The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this. First he says: "This is the covenant I will make with them after thattime, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds." Then he adds: "Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more." And where these have been forgiven, there is no longer any sacrifice for sin.
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near toGod with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love and good deeds. Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Let us draw near to God through holiness.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
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