Lev 13, Matt 8 “Unclean and Clean”

Over the last year and a half, we have experienced the stigma of being “unclean” regarding the pandemic. There has been a public outcry to be vaccinated and how to handle this to protect others. In some way, this scenario is much like what Hansen’s disease or leprosy was to the Israelite community. When leprosy broke out, those who had contracted it were separated from the rest lest it infects the community. The “in house DR.” or the high priest was to determine what the infection was, but the only treatment was isolation. Just as physical leprosy separates the people, spiritual leprosy isolates us from a holy God.

 Perhaps that is why we see the full impact in the leper’s story, who was bold and yet fearful as he approached Jesus. He came with one question: “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” [Matt 8:2]  God has provided Jesus as our “in house Dr.” He is willing to reach out, touch us and cleanse us of our sin.

There are two questions before us: (1) Are we still walking around with our spiritual leprosy, and (2) Are we willing to approach Jesus and seek His cleansing? Where are you today?