In my kitchen cabinet, I have a first aid kit ready to use on any injury, fever, or tummy ache that is bound to occur with my four active kiddos. It is stocked with all the things I know I can use to help my children. While I may not always be able to prevent what happens to them, I have a plan and am prepared to offer comfort when they need it most.
In a different way, today’s Scripture reading gives us a look into God’s plan for hope and healing for His people. In Leviticus 13, we continue reading about the laws and instructions regarding uncleanness. These laws reminded the Israelites God also desired to be in the presence of His people, even with their imperfections. He made a way for the Israelites to be ritually purified through ceremonial sacrifices, making a plan for redemption toward restored relationship with His people.
I recognize my own need for God too. Sometimes when I depend more on myself than God, I lose sight of His care for me. If I’m being honest, my self-sufficiency can spiral quickly into worry or anxiety when life is out of my control. But then I am reminded that no matter what happens, I can go to God when I need Him most.
In Luke, we read about a man who needed God too. This man had leprosy but knew that if he approached Jesus, he could be made clean (Luke 5:12–14). Jesus reached out and healed him. Not only did Jesus show compassion for this man, but He gave physical comfort by touching him. Notice, also, how He instructed the man to tell no one and go straight to the priests? Jesus knew the ceremonial sacrifices required for the cleansing of leprosy, as we read in Leviticus, would give evidence that this man had been healed. But Jesus also knew that those sacrifices pointed to God’s ultimate plan for salvation.
When life is filled with uncertainty, we don’t have to do it alone. We, too, can approach God. We have a God who has made a way for us to be in His presence forever because of what Jesus Christ did for us. We can come to Him to find hope, comfort, and healing.
MERCY, thank you for sharing that information. And taking the time to look into that. Great stuff to know.
I am praying for you ladies. May you know the peace of God through any and all situations.
I got curious with some symbolic images proposed in our reading today, so I did some digging. Why was blood applied to those particular extremities–the right thumb, toe and ear?
Why the ear?
The ear symbolizes the ability of the person to receive the instruction of the Lord. The person with the sin forgiven is now able to hear the Word of God. The person with the aid of the Holy Spirit can now understand the Word of God. Hearing the Word of God was important then because no one had their own copy of what we would now call the Bible. Mainly the law of Moses and later on the writings of the prophets. You didn’t just go down to your local Jewish Bookstore and pickup a copy of the Torah. That was kept in the Tabernacle or later the Temple. Each family did not have one sitting out on the coffee table of their tent. Hearing the Word of the Lord was imperative.
Why the thumb?
So, what’s with the blood and the oil on the blood of the right thumb? This signifies that not only are we forgiven and set apart for use by the Lord but we are to be about the work that God has set before us! God didn’t save us to set us up for life on a beach enjoying the sunshine, He saved us to be part of His kingdom on earth doing the work of the kingdom! “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22 ESV)
Why the big toe?
When you walk or run, the big toe plays an essential role in arch stabilization during mid-stance, and during the take-off phase Without this stabilization, the foot would have limited, to no, shock absorption capability, and very limited propulsive force. No big toe, no go. The Lord not only wants His children, sons and daughters, to hear His voice and work in His kingdom but He wants us to walk in the paths of righteousness! He wants us to go down His road! When Jesus said in John 14:6 “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” … the way He was talking about was a road; the road of life in Christ!
@Gretchen-may the healing power of the Lord kick away any post covid fatigue or lingering symptoms.
@Rhonda J- thank you for the updates. Your cheery note is filled with hope even amidst the storm. It’s the peace that surpasses understanding. Praise the Lord. Praying for you and your family, and the state of FL.
@Gramsiesue,@ Diane Mom: praying for your husbands and a good medical report to follow by His grace, and new strength/peace for you.
Be blessed dear sisters. Remember, The LORD is my strength and my song!!! (Exodus 15:2).
It is comforting to know that we are in the presence of God always!
Praying for you and your husband Diane Mom
Praying for you and your husband Dine
Hi She’s! Thank you for all the prayers! So appreciated! We are still without power, but getting by! I am still trying to focus on the others around me that have had much more devastation! Its very heartbreaking because the first few days you are so elated to have survived such a horrific storm, but now reality is settling in that your house and stuff are all gone, you might be displaced for however long, and so on. I just let them talk and get it out.
Anyway, I am gaining so much about Leviticus from srt and you all!! As usual, it is one of those books I once read through quickly without much pondering, but the writer and you all bring so much wisdom! I hope to listen to the podcast tomorrow which is always so helpful as well!
Prayers for the requests! (Okay now Im wondering if I already commented this morning or if that was yesterday, I am in a state of confusion, the hurricane I blame, not my old brain!!
Praying for you Gretchen!
Would you pray for me? I need healing. I have been battling what we believe is long COVID fatigue for almost 5 months. It affects every moment of each day and has been sooo difficult on my family as well. I have a Dr appt tomorrow. Please pray that God would reveal and heal. tY so much!