Leviticus 13 Recently the world has become acutely aware of infection with no known cause and no known cure, and many are dying. The world has reacted first to isolate infected and then to restrict travel to and from that area thousands of miles away. Although these are physical infections, the spiritual lesson is that our infection is the problem of sin.
Like physical infections, sin permeates if left untreated because it is all a part of the fallen nature of man. Pastor Ed Rea explained it this way: “It usually begins as a thought that becomes a desire that then leads on to an act. The results of both unchecked are always devastating.” James explains it this way: “But each one is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires. Then when desire conceives, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is full-grown, it gives birth to death.”
In Leviticus, the priest was to examine the individual and, if necessary, quarantine him/her. Just like a physical infection, we must “quarantine” our sin. If we find that that doesn’t help us, then we must take drastic action, and repentance is the key. King David recognized the danger and why he prayed: Examine me, O God, and probe my thoughts! Test me, and know my concerns!
We have the Great Physician with the perfect treatment. But if we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous, forgiving us our sins and cleansing us from all unrighteousness. [1Jn 1:9]
A neighbor said I don’t need church; I can commune with God in nature. Yes you can and there are times when you need that time alone with God, but Christ died for the church and we are reminded to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together. When we meet corporately we gain from others. For example, the ministry I work for meets for corporate prayer each Monday. When we leave we are lifted up and encouraged and ready to do battle with whatever the enemy sends our way. That in essence is why we can be strong and courageous even through challenging times.