Read Leviticus 13:47-59
What do you do when you see mold on your clothes? Maybe you’ve led a sheltered life and never experienced that. We had a problem in our last rental with a closet that held moisture – unbeknownst to me at least. Once I discovered my moldy clothes, they went immediately to the washing machine. Sadly, there were a few items that never came clean. I never thought to burn them!
When we come across passages like this, we can only marvel at how God thinks of everything. It opens our eyes to see the types of “issues” that people in Bible times had to deal with. If their climate was at all humid, it’s not surprising that mildew would set in. But I always picture the Promised land as dry and desert-like. Where did the mildew come from?
Does it help to know that the Hebrew word for mildew is the same as for skin disease (source is footnote on Biblegateway.com). We can make the connection that the clothing worn by some of these people inflicted with skin diseases like leprosy may have taken on this “mildew” and been ruined. The disease would have permeated itself into the garments becoming a risk of infecting other people or re-infecting the owner.
These soiled or defiled clothes weren’t immediately thrown away. They had value and were given a chance. But if the cleansing didn’t fix the problem, these unclean, unholy clothes would be burned up. As I made this connection, I could help make the leap to what this says about people.
Everyone God created has value. God never discards us–He loves us too much. Instead, God sent his only son Jesus to cleanse us and fix our problem of sin. Why? Because it was keeping us separated from God’s presence. What happens to those who don’t accept Jesus’ help? That’s up to God, but if we follow this clothing example, those people will burn up in the fire.
The apostle Paul taught of Jesus’ return in 1Thessalonians 1:8: “in flaming fire, bringing judgment on those who don’t know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus.” That doom of fire is enough for me to focus on Jesus and what he told us to do.
Jesus would probably have told us to throw out the mildew infested clothes rather than holding on to them wishing they weren’t ruined. We need to let go of the things that keep us from focusing on God. Sometimes those disappointments in life (like soiled clothes) can taint our relationship with God if we’re not already leaning in. Only then can we be armed with his goodness to defend off the lies of the world when they seem enticing and “not that bad.”
If the LORD is suggesting something of value, like clothing, be burned, he has good reason. He doesn’t want the disease to spread. What are your takeaways from this reading?
Let’s pray. Lord, forgive me for the ways I’ve sinned and displeased you. I know there are times in my life when I have been “soiled” and not ready to accept your love. I felt unworthy, sure that I had disappointed you. Yet you never gave up on me. Thank you for always helping me when I lean into you and your provision. Help me do a better job of getting out of my own way. I look forward to seeing you working in my life, and even more to the day of your glorious return. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
