22 September Leviticus 13

Protection, Holiness and Obedience

Leviticus 13:1-13 (NIV) The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “When anyone has a swelling or a rash or a shiny spot on their skin that may be a defiling skin disease, they must be brought to Aaron the priest or to one of his sons who is a priest. The priest is to examine the sore on the skin, and if the hair in the sore has turned white and the sore appears to be more than skin deep, it is a defiling skin disease. When the priest examines that person, he shall pronounce them ceremonially unclean. If the shiny spot on the skin is white but does not appear to be more than skin deep and the hair in it has not turned white, the priest is to isolate the affected person for seven days. On the seventh day the priest is to examine them, and if he sees that the sore is unchanged and has not spread in the skin, he is to isolate them for another seven days. On the seventh day the priest is to examine them again, and if the sore has faded and has not spread in the skin, the priest shall pronounce them clean; it is only a rash. They must wash their clothes, and they will be clean. But if the rash does spread in their skin after they have shown themselves to the priest to be pronounced clean, they must appear before the priest again. The priest is to examine that person, and if the rash has spread in the skin, he shall pronounce them unclean; it is a defiling skin disease.

The instructions for the priests in this chapter had at least three essential purposes. These included:

Protection

If the priests hadn't isolated people with contagious diseases, others would have become sick, too. The Jews protected themselves by following God's rules about keeping the sick separate and avoiding contact with dead bodies. This teaches us that when believers follow God's instructions, He will be with them and protect them. How wonderful is it not to know that we are not separated today, but we can ask God for our protection?

Psalm 121:7-8 (NIV): "The Lord will keep you from all harm—He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore."

Holiness

God couldn't be with His people if they were not pure and clean. The Jews understood that to have God close to them, they needed to stay clean out of respect and fear of Him. God warned that sin would stop Him from listening to their prayers.

Isaiah 59:2 (NIV) says: "But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear." Confirmed too by John 9:31 (AMP) “We know [according to your tradition] that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone fears God and does His will, He hears him”.

Obedience

The people had to follow the priests' instructions, including any rules about keeping themselves apart from others. God showed His authority over Israel by making the people listen to the priests. Even though many believers today might not like being under authority, God wants everyone to respect and follow godly leadership. Hebrews 13:17 (NIV) "Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you."

Leviticus 13 reveals how God's instructions to the Israelites were about health and cleanliness and living a life that reflects His holiness, protection, and obedience. Through the actions of the priests, the people learned the importance of obedience, maintaining purity, and relying on God for protection. These principles are just as relevant today as they were then. Following God’s guidance, we invite His presence into our lives, ensuring we are protected and walking in His will. Let us strive to live in a way that honours God’s authority, keeps us close to Him, and reflects His holiness in our daily lives.

As we navigate our journeys, we should remember that God’s will is designed for our good, to guide us to live in a way that brings Him glory and keeps us safe in His care.