A Cancerous Spot

O. T. #281  "A Cancerous Spot"
May 2, 2014
Leviticus 14-Part 1
This is the law of him in whom is the plague of leprosy, whose hand is not able to get that which pertaineth to his cleansing.    Leviticus 14:32


LET IT GLOW

My husband had a spot on the upper check of his face, which was a common cancer. He went to a man who specialized in skin problems, a dermatologist. That doctor removed the spot. After weeks of following specific directions, he was considered healed. So far it has not returned. We are relieved,  happy, and grateful to the Lord Jesus about the results. In a similar way, a Hebrew leper had spots that needed removed. Continue reading as to how he was healed.  


After reading about the terrifying disease of leprosy, we know there is hope for the infected. Leprosy was a picture of sin.
This chapter explains the ritual for the ceremonial cleansing of lepers so that they might enter society again.
Wiersbe's Expository Outlines on the Old Testament tells us these rituals are:

• The priest goes to the leper. (Verse 3) since the leper was barred from coming into the camp, the priest had to go "outside the camp" to him.
• The priest offers the sacrifices. (verses 4-7) The priest placed a bird in an earthen vessel (clay jar), then killed it. the bird was killed over running water. Then the priest took a living bird, dipped it in the blood of the dead bird, and set it free. He sprinkled some of the blood on the leper.
• The leper washes and waits. (verses 8-9) The priest pronounce the leper clean, so he is accepted as far as the Lord was concerned, but he had to make himself ritually acceptable. He had to remain outside the camp for 7 days.
• The leper offers the sacrifices. (verses 10-13) On the eighth day, the former leper goes to the tabernacle with sacrifices to be offered for him.
• The priest applies the blood and oil. (verses 14-20)  The blood of the trespass offering was applied to the priest. Then he was sprinkled 7 times with the oil, then the oil was applied in the same manner as the blood. Finally, the rest of the oil was poured over the man's head.

The process for restoring the poor to cleanness was the same as the previous verses, except for certain different animals were allowed for the two final sacrifices. (Falwell)

How wonderful that the lepers were provided physical healing and spiritual cleansing. God provided it all. They were allowed back in their society and family.
Do we offer hope to those with serious illnesses-Jesus Christ?

LET IT GROW

Since leprosy was a picture of sin, this chapter illustrates what Christ has done to cleanse sinner:

• Christ who came to us, died outside the camp so we might be saved (Hebrews 13:10-13). He came to seek and to save the lost (Luke 19:10).
• Christ willingly left heaven, took upon Himself the a body, an earthen vessel, that He might die for us. The bird killed over running water pictures the Holy Spirit. The living bird illustrates the resurrection of Christ. Without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sin (Heb. 9:22).
• The former leper washing is a picture of the believer cleansing himself from filthiness of the flesh and spirit (2 Cor. 7:1). After we are saved, it is our responsibility to keep our lives blameless and holy for His sake.  Eight is the number of resurrection, the new beginning.
• The sin offering took care of the man's defilement; the burnt offering represented his renewed dedication to God. The trespass offering was his only way to repair the damage done by that wasted segment of his life. He had been unable to serve God while having leprosy.
• Now, as for the touching part of the ritual. He was to listen to God's Word, work for God's glory, and walk in God's ways. Where the blood is applied, the Spirit of God can work.

All of this is accomplished today through faith in Jesus as Savior. Our sins can be forgiven, His blood applied, the Holy Spirit abides and restores our fellowship with God.

In Mark 1:40-45, a leper told Jesus, If You are willing, You can  make me clean. Jesus  touched him, replied, I am willing; be cleansed.
Immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed.

Jesus Christ is able and will to save, friend. Have you asked Him?
Do you need a touch from Jesus?
Like the leper in our key verse, we are not able to make our self clean, well, or whole.

LET IT GO

Go to my High Priest, Jesus Christ, for spiritual examination.

Ask for healing of my sin sick heart, willingly.

Receive a touch from Jesus today.

Be made whole.