More skin disease and
mildew regulations… again, this doesn’t immediately grip my
heart.
About half way though the
chapter, the first words of verse 21 latched on to me. It reads, If, however, he is poor and cannot afford
these… The cleansing rituals from an infectious disease were
costly…two lambs, a ewe lamb plus other accouterments. How would a poor person
pay for this? But God provided a way, a more moderately priced cleansing
ritual.
Over and over God calls His
people to care for the poor, and this is precisely what God does here. Cleansing
rituals were important. They were the way a person became ceremonially clean,
which means they were allowed back into the community. God doesn’t toss aside
the cleansing rituals. He maintains His Word and Way, but He makes a way so that
people of little means can access His grace and restoration just like everyone
else…
Now this is a picture of
God that will carry me for the day.
Tomorrow as I gather for
worship, the realization that God invites all to His presence, regardless of
worldly means, powerfully communicates to me God’s love and care for all people.
James’ words against
favoritism (James 2) fly into my thoughts … more to chew
on!
Lord, I can
so easily erect barriers, walls of race, culture, economics, education and the
like. Forgive me. I do not yet come close to having Your heart for people. Mold
me into Your image. Continue to show me Your way. Help me to emulate You… this I
pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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