May 8 -- "Separated and Alone"

Today's Reading: Leviticus 13:31-59 

"Separated and Alone"

In ancient Israel, those who were diagnosed with leprosy were considered unclean and were required to live outside the camp, away from other people. This was to prevent the spread of the disease and to maintain the purity of the community.

Today’s passage describes the social isolation and exclusion that someone with leprosy experienced – “he shall live alone.” This can be seen as an illustration of the spiritual separation and disconnection that can result from sin.

In the Bible, there are several instances where leprosy is used as an illustration of sin (e.g. Isaiah 1:4-6). Leprosy was a serious, debilitating disease that could cause physical disfigurement and social isolation. This made lepers outcasts and prevented them from participating in the worship and social life of the community. Before they were allowed to return to the camp, they were required to undergo cleansing rituals and be declared “clean” by the priests, a declaration that their disease was cured.

Similarly, sin can also cause spiritual disfigurement and isolation. Sin separates us from God and from the community of believers. It can cause us to feel ashamed and alone and prevent us from experiencing the joy and fellowship of Christian community.

In the New Testament, Jesus healed many people who had leprosy, which symbolized His power to heal spiritual sickness and restore people to the community. Just as He healed the physical bodies of those with leprosy, he also heals the spiritual condition of those afflicted with sin who come to him in faith. 1 John 1:9 tells us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”  The good news for us is that we can be declared “clean” from our sin by our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ. Oh, what joy surrounds those whose disease of sin has been cured!

Your sin can have a significant impact on your relationships with other believers and on your ability to live in community with them. It is important to confess your sins to God and to those you have wronged, seek forgiveness, and strive to live lives that honor God and build up the community of believers.

May 7 -- "Law of the Leper"

Today's Reading: Leviticus 13:1-30 

"Law of the Leper"

Leviticus chapters 13 & 14 contain a set of detailed regulations given by God to the Israelites regarding the diagnosis and treatment of leprosy, a contagious skin disease that was prevalent at the time. While the “Law of the Leper” may seem woefully out-of-date to us, keep in mind that every word of God is truth (Proverbs 30:5) and “is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16). We can learn some very practical truths that are relevant to us in modern times from these chapters.

Leprosy is often seen as a symbol of sin in the Bible because it is a contagious disease that can spread and cause physical and social isolation, similar to the way sin can spread and lead to spiritual separation from God and others.

The law emphasized the importance of confession and repentance. When someone was diagnosed with leprosy, they were required to announce their condition to others and live outside the camp or city, which was a form of confession and acknowledging their impurity. This emphasizes the importance of acknowledging our sins, confessing them to God and others, and seeking forgiveness and healing.

The purification ceremony in the Law of the Leper emphasizes the need for spiritual cleansing and restoration. The person who had been declared clean was sprinkled with blood, oil, and water, which symbolized the cleansing power of God and the need for atonement for sin. This emphasizes the importance of seeking forgiveness and restoration through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Overall, the Law of the Leper serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and the need for confession, repentance, and spiritual cleansing. It also points to the ultimate solution for sin through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the forgiveness and restoration that He offers to all who believe in Him.

May 6 -- "Be Holy for I am Holy"

Today's Reading: Leviticus 11 & 12 

"Be Holy for I am Holy"

♪ “Holiness, holiness is what I long for; Holiness is what I need; Holiness, holiness is what You want from me”♪ *

God's holiness is a central aspect of His nature, and it is one of the key attributes that sets Him apart from everything else in the universe. It is also something He wants to be an attribute of our lives.

The holiness we are to exhibit is not our own, but the holiness of Christ in us. We are not holy and no amount of human effort can make us so. We can no more make ourselves holy than a dead man can make himself alive. We need the work of Christ in us if we are to realize the challenge of being holy for He is holy. It is Christ in us Who will manifest His holiness if we will but yield our flesh to Him. This is not a human operation, it is a spiritual one brought about by the work of God deep within our soul.

Becoming holy is a two part process: God’s part and our part. Our part is to stay out of God’s way – to yield and surrender to Him. When we put ourselves under His care, we surrender our own ideas, will, and pride to Him. His part is to transform us into the holy image of Jesus Christ. This is not a once-and-for-all transaction, but a daily, moment-by-moment transition from reliance on our flesh to control by His Spirit.

If you and I want to be made holy, then we must willingly surrender ourselves to His care and actively seek the Spirit’s work of transformation. Holiness is God’s gracious work. Grace is God’s unmerited favor. It’s His loving posture toward all people. God does not make a person holy because they are worthy or good; God makes us holy because of His mercy and our faith in Him. This means that holiness is God’s free gift (Ephesians 2:8).

Making us holy is a work that the Holy Spirit initiates and sustains (Galatians 3:1–3; 5:16–18). And He won't stop this work until we are complete in Christ. Philippians 1:6 says, "And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue his work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns."

* Scott Underwood: “Take My Life (Holiness)” © Copyright 1994 Mercy/Vineyard Publishing (ASCAP)

May 5 -- "Making a Clear Distinction"

 Today's Reading: Leviticus 9 & 10

"Making a Clear Distinction"

Today’s verse is a command to differentiate between the holy and the common, and between the unclean and the clean. This command was necessary because the Israelites were called to be a holy people, set apart and distinct from the nations around them, and the priests were responsible for maintaining the purity of the tabernacle and the offerings made there.

The principles contained in this verse still have relevance for us as modern-day Christ-followers. We too are called to live lives that are holy and set apart for God. The Apostle Peter writes in 1 Peter 1:16, "Be holy, because I am holy." We are called to reflect the holy character of God in our lives and to pursue holiness in all that we do.

One way we can do this is by making a distinction between what is holy and what is common. "Holy" refers to things that are set apart for God's service and have a special spiritual significance while "common" refers to things that are ordinary or commonplace, without any special spiritual connotation. This means that we need to be intentional about the things we allow into our lives, such as the media we consume, the people we spend time with, and the activities we engage in.

Similarly, we are called to make a distinction between what is clean and what is unclean. In the Old Testament, certain foods and activities were considered unclean, but in the New Testament, Jesus declared all foods clean (Mark 7:19). However, there are still things that can defile us, such as sexual immorality, greed, and anger (Mark 7:20-23). We need to avoid these things and pursue righteousness and purity.

Finally, we are called to make a distinction between what is “of God” and what is “of the world.” The Apostle John writes in 1 John 2:15-17, "Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them.” We need to be discerning and wise in our choices, seeking to follow God's will and live according to his commands.

Leviticus 10:10 reminds us of the importance of living a holy and set-apart life, of making a clear distinction between what is of God and what is of the world, and of pursuing righteousness and purity. As Christ-followers, we are called to reflect the character of God in our lives and to live in a way that honors Him and the holiness that is fundamental to His nature.

May 4 -- "Anointing Your Sacred Space"

Today's Reading: Leviticus 8 

"Anointing Your Sacred Space"

Leviticus 8:10 describes the anointing of the Tabernacle and all its furnishings. The anointing oil was poured over the Tabernacle and everything in it, symbolically setting it apart as holy and consecrated to God.

The Hebrew word for "anointed" is "mashach" (מָשַׁח). This word is derived from the root word "mashach" which means "to smear or drench with oil." In the Old Testament, the anointing with oil was a symbolic act of consecration, separating a person or object for a special purpose, such as the anointing of priests, prophets, and kings.

The anointing of the Tabernacle serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of dedicating our worship spaces to God. While we may or may not anoint our churches or other worship spaces with oil, we are called to recognize that these spaces are for the worship and service of God and to set them apart for that purpose. Setting worship spaces apart for God is important for a few reasons.

Firstly, it helps us to remember that we are entering into a sacred space, where we come to worship and honor God. By designating a particular space as a place of worship, we are creating a physical space where we can intentionally focus on God and tune out distractions. This allows us to be more fully present and engaged in worship, and can help us to connect with God more deeply.

Secondly, setting worship spaces apart for God reminds us that our worship is not just a personal, individual act, but is something that we do in community. By gathering together in a dedicated space, we can support and encourage one another in our worship, and experience the power of corporate worship as we lift our voices and hearts to God together.

Finally, setting worship spaces apart for God helps to create a sense of reverence and awe for God. When we come into a space that is set apart for worship, we are reminded that we are entering into the presence of the Almighty God, and we are called to approach Him with humility and reverence. This can help to deepen our sense of awe and wonder for God, and foster a deeper sense of respect and reverence for Him in all areas of our lives. 

May 3 -- "Ministering to the Ministers"

 Today's Reading: Leviticus 7

"Ministering to the Ministers"

While Leviticus 7:35 may seem like a specific instruction for a particular time and place and people, it does point to broader principles of worship and stewardship that are still relevant for modern-day Christ-followers. We are called to offer our resources to God with a heart of gratitude and worship, and to provide for those who are dedicated to serving Him.

In the context of the Old Testament, this meant providing for the priests and their families. In modern times, this may involve supporting missionaries, pastors, or other full-time ministers who have dedicated their lives to serving God and advancing his kingdom.

In Galatians 6:6, Paul says, "Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches." This verse encourages believers to share their resources with those who teach and minister to them, as a way of showing appreciation and support.

One way to provide for servants of God is through financial giving. This may involve giving to local churches, mission organizations, or other Christian ministries that support the work of full-time ministers. Financial support can help provide for the basic needs of those who serve, such as housing, food, and other necessities.

Another way to provide for servants of God is through prayer and encouragement. Full-time ministry can be a challenging and often isolating calling, and those who serve in this capacity can benefit greatly from the prayers and support of their fellow believers. Encouragement can also come in the form of words of affirmation and appreciation, which can help sustain and motivate those who serve.

In addition to financial support and encouragement, there are many practical ways to provide for the servants of God. This may involve volunteering time and skills to assist with ministry activities or projects, providing meals or transportation for those who serve, or offering other forms of practical support.

Ministering to God’s ministers (i.e. providing for those who serve God) is an important part of Christian discipleship and stewardship. As we seek to follow Christ and advance his kingdom, we should be mindful of the needs of those who are called to serve in full-time ministry and do our part to support and encourage them.

May 2 -- "Restitution for Wrongs: Making Things Right"

Today's Reading: Leviticus 6 

"Restitution for Wrongs: Making Things Right"

This verse refers to a situation where someone has committed fraud or deception, such as by lying about something they have sold or promising to do something and failing to follow through. The guilty party is instructed to make restitution by returning what they have taken or paying back the value, along with an additional fifth (20%) of the value as a penalty.

The principle of making restitution for wrongdoing is still relevant for modern-day Christ-followers. As Christians, we are called to live lives of honesty and integrity, and to treat others with fairness and respect. When we fail to do so, whether intentionally or unintentionally, we should seek to make things right.

This may involve apologizing and asking for forgiveness, making amends for any harm done, and working to rebuild trust and relationships that may have been damaged. It may also involve making financial restitution if appropriate. In all cases, our goal should be to act with humility, honesty, and a sincere desire to make things right in the eyes of both God and others.

Jesus spoke about the importance of making restitution and seeking reconciliation in several instances throughout the New Testament. For example, in Matthew 5:23-24, Jesus says, "So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift."

In this passage, Jesus emphasizes the importance of seeking reconciliation with others before offering our worship or service to God. He teaches that it is not enough to simply go through the motions of religious observance; we must also strive to live in harmony with those around us and make things right if we have wronged them.