Read Leviticus 13:1-46

Now the priests are taking on the role of a doctor to examine skin abnormalities that might set someone apart as ceremonially unclean. We need to remember that the priests were given discernment for these matters so they weren’t just guessing. Depending on the “diagnosis,” the priest “prescribed” certain actions, like quarantining. Notice this type of uncleanliness cannot be remedied with a burnt offering.

This chapter is not the most pleasant to read. I’m sure I’m not the only one who examined my skin quick for any abnormalities. Caring for our skin should be something we take seriously. I’ve seen firsthand the difference between using a good product on my skin and one that may be cheaper. Some people have a hard time believing I’m the age I am, and I’ve often had comments about my skin.

Have you ever seen a dermatologist? David and I have been meaning to make our first dermatology appointment. Seeking professional help has saved many people from a bad result due to skin cancer. I think that would fall into the category of a skin disease that these priests would have examined.

Again, I marvel at these priests. They had a lot of responsibilities. God must have thought very highly of them. The priests would have relied on God for the discernment needed. God likes when we depend on him. That’s my takeaway for today.

This reading tells of a time when men, called by God to be priests, were charged with caring for a large congregation of people as well as a potentially long patient list of people with skin issues. Apparently a big enough problem that God spoke this law into place in those days.

These brave priests put their lives on the line when seeing these people with skin ailments and diseases. Was getting sick themselves ever a worry? Or did they depend on God and never experience any sickness themselves?

Reading about the skin disease rules fast forwarded my brain to Jesus’ day, witnessing accounts of Jesus’ healing lepers who had before that been outcasts of society. Skin disease was feared in those days in part because of the rules priests would enforce if presented a case. Do you think people ever tried to deny their disease? Do we ever deny our own sin?

Skin disease aside, I’m going to focus on my belief that God likes when we depend on him. Take some time today to examine your life. Are there any “skin diseases” that are keeping you in quarantine rather than living God’s plan for your life? Or are you like the priests who are in constant communication with God to get it all done? Whatever that looked like for them. How are you depending on God?

Let’s pray. LORD, close out the distractions so I can hear your message for me today. You know my desire to do your will and live my life in a manner that pleases you. Forgive me when I fall short. Give me discernment in each conversation I have. May I continue to marvel and be in awe of you. Show me how I can serve you today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.