Thursday, August 25
When my kids go off to school, I have a home daycare and preschoolers invade the house. Recently I was babysitting four preschoolers – three of whom were potty-training at the same time. So, I do have some experience with bodily discharges (the topic of Chapter 15). I found myself saying all sorts of things I never imagined I would need to say about not touching this or that or sitting here or there. It was for very good reason that we removed the bathroom rug for several months. And, there was no limit to the amount of times I made them wash their cute little hands – hands which didn’t even look dirty to them. As naïve children, my preschoolers failed to see the dangers of unclean habits and the reasons and ways for cleaning themselves. The Israelites had similar issues. And, might we, too – at least when it comes to spiritual cleanliness?
Perhaps it is said best in Leviticus 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.” Our God is STILL a holy, CLEAN God who dwells among us and requires us to be clean to come into His presence. Strive for purity (In your thoughts, words, attitudes, motives and actions). When you “mess yourself” – realize the danger and harm of your sin. Instead of making excuses – take the needed steps for cleansing. Jesus Christ offers the best spiritual sanitizer possible.
Chapter 16 gives detailed directions for the yearly Day of Atonement – when “atonement (reconciliation) is to be made once a year for all the sins of the Israelites.” (16:34). This will be the sacred time when the High Priest enters the Most Holy Place, and in addition to sin offerings and burnt offerings (which were also done regularly throughout the year) – a scapegoat will be released into the desert. Wikipedia defines scapegoating as, “the practice of singling out any party for unmerited negative treatment or blame”. Sure sounds just like what would be awaiting the Son of God so many years later.
In Chapter 17 – where the eating of blood is forbidden – we see yet another foreshadowing of Jesus’ purpose (atonement) and means to the end (death). Verse 11 says, “For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have given it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the alter; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life.”
We are dirty, sinful people – just as God’s people have been all through history. Realize the danger of your unclean habits (sins). Be sanitized. Thank God He has made a way for us to be purified and reconciled to Him. Thank you, Jesus, for being the scapegoat and the perfect sacrifice so we can come before The Almighty!
Marcia Railton
SeekGrowLove.com 