Read Leviticus 15:1-33
No promises were made that walking through the book of Leviticus would be easy. For Christians, since we have the New Covenant, we shouldn’t worry about having to follow all of these laws. But it still does us good to know what they are. For devout Jews still living under the Old Covenant, these rules are still followed–all but the sacrificing because the tabernacle and temple no longer exist. Back then, you might wonder how many days a month the average Israelite walked around unclean.
Sometimes we encounter passages like this and just wonder. God is touching on some personal things. I remember when having your period was something you wanted to keep hidden and were appalled when any spots appeared on your clothes. It’s a revelation to know that moment was talked about in the Bible as an “unclean” situation for the people God loved.
Our God wants to be involved intimately with us individually and as a couple. Making hygiene a priority in those sexual matters can only increase the likelihood of uninterrupted times due to infection or disease. Although the law also covered those suffering from disease, not just the pleasure side of things.
I don’t think these texts are meant to say sex is something to be feared. Instead, it may be comforting to know God had wanted to be part of our sexual encounters. There is even a book on our shelf called, “Sex is Holy,” by Mary Rousseau and Chuck Gallagher. A great book on the spirituality of the marriage union. That’s a good reminder to me to take a look at that book again. It’s always good to surround ourselves in holy things.
All this talk about uncleanliness might also be likened to our spiritual selves as well. The grime from our hands and bodies can be cleansed, but our hearts and minds take a little bit more work. Some of us have hard hearts. Our own sin and the tactics of the evil one have a way of taking control if we’re not careful. Sin can take hold and stick in even the crevices.
How do we respond? I like Paul’s words in Philippians 4:8. “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.”
Let’s pray. Lord, I call upon you today to rule in my heart and mind. I want to avoid falling prey to the sins of this world which will make me impure. I want to be so focused on you that the lies of the world cannot penetrate. May I be a blessing to those I encounter. May people see you in me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
