"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."
Leviticus 15:31-NIV
"Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: 'Be holy becuse I, the Lord your God, am holy."
Leviticus 19:2-NIV
Today, God gives instruction about dealing with uncleanness and restoration to community. Like invasive mold, leprosy, or discharge; uncleanness spreads and it must be dealt with according to God's plan. Here we read sometimes purification by fire, sometimes by shedding of blood, and sometimes by other actions. Here we do see a proportionate sacrifice, reminding us that salvation is available to all.
God here promises Caanan to Israel, as a gift and possession. He adds that when He places a spreading mildew on stones in homes and discusses steps to deal with the mold, He instructs that; upon the priest's inspection, certain stones may be ordered to be torn out and thrown into an unclean place outside the town. What other stone was thrown out into an unclean place outside the town and shed blood and water?
Hint: The location was Gethsemane and the event occured on Good Friday some 2,000 years ago.
Can you think of any other kinds of uncleanness that spreads?
"The rabble with them began to crave other food, and again the Isralites started wailing and said, 'If only we had meat to eat." Numbers 11:4-NIV
We will read on March 3 of this event; how it is the rabble's craving and not the Israelite's craving that started the Israelite's grumbling. Notice how infectious grumbling is. The rabble's craving causes the whole mass to complain, and to not trust God's: plan, timing, control, power, creativity, or ability to solve the issue at hand.
"So the people grumbled against Moses, saying 'What are we to drink." Exodus 15: 24-NIV
Thoughts:
Where do you look for salvation, for restoration, for forgiveness?
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30-NIV
What attributes of God do you see?
What kinds of things do you grumble about? Will you take them to the Lord in prayer, will you remember it is God's time, not your time?
Pray for the Spirit to give you time management skills, so you can attend worship and adult education/ Sunday School and that your heart and minds are prepared to hear the message and that you apply it to your life.
In Christ,
David P
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