Leviticus 15:1-33
“Thus you shall keep the people of Israel separate from their uncleanness, lest they die in their uncleanness by defiling my tabernacle that is in their midst.” – Leviticus 15:31
This may be the first time some of us are reading of such topics in the Bible. Although they’re natural, biological functions, semen and menstrual blood are not things we talk about casually at the church breakfast corner on Sunday. Some may ask: was it really necessary to go such an extent?
When God said be holy in every aspect of life, he literally meant IN EVERY SINGLE PART. We are beings with flesh and bones. God made us and knows this better than anyone else. His thoughts of us reach the extent of knowing the number of hairs on our head (Lk12:7). So why should his vision of cleanness, purity and holiness exclude anything that we experience?
Whether it was the regular hormonal cycles of men and women or the intimate rhythms of sexual relations between husband and wife, God’s word spoke holiness and restraint into those areas. Even in the cases of unnatural bodily discharge or bleeding due to disease, God’s word yet again spoke into those circumstances, allowing for ways that his people could be cleansed and restored. There was no area in an Israelite’s life that God’s word and his standards of purity didn’t apply to.
In one sense, this is assuring because it means we can really talk to God about anything, including topics that aren’t usually part of polite conversation. So if we’ve secretly been struggling with illnesses that have to do with our private parts, we can bring them to God. He already knows everything. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about in his presence. He desires that we be restored to physical wholeness, and he will meet with us in those situations.
In another sense, this also puts us on alert. While we may have thought we were getting away with certain sins in the secrecy of our personal space, today’s passage reminds us that God sees all things. Just because other people don’t ask such private matters, it doesn’t mean they’re beyond God’s concern. Secrecy is the trick of the Devil to keep us trapped in hidden sin. Watching or reading illicit content, enjoying sexual pleasure outside the boundaries of marriage, or abusing the gift of intimacy with our spouse are all areas we need to seriously confront in the presence of our holy God. He desires that we be restored to spiritual and sexual wholeness, and he will meet with us even in those situations.
Reflection:
Have you been keeping certain struggles secret from God? Nothing is actually hidden from him, but he desires that you come and bring your struggles to him. God can heal your diseases; he can help you overcome your sinful habits. In surrendering, allow him to teach you how to be holy even in these areas. If you think you need better support or accountability, I invite you to talk to your small group leader or any of the pastors.
Prayer:
Father, thank you for reminding me that nothing is hidden from you. Forgive me for the times I didn’t trust you with the “embarrassing” conditions I am suffering . Forgive me for when I thought I could get away with sins just because no other person was around. Lord, I want to experience your restoring grace in these dark corners of my life. Cleanse and purify me; make me whole. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.