(Thursday)
Ok, some harsh stuff is going on here. I don’t like the idea of casting out someone because they happen to be contagious, but the reality of the situation is, something like leprosy left unchecked, could bring harm to the whole community.
When you think about the number of people confined in one place (remember we’re talking, “large city-size” group of people), this being put outside of the camp was not only necessary, it was imperative. You can’t have even one person “infecting” the whole. I wonder if we should be careful to recognize this in our spiritual life. What are we allowing in that affects or “infects” us, that needs to be removed?
We also read today about the “unfaithful wife”. There are a couple of things going on here. One is that if the husband happens to be a jealous type, this whole ritual, should put to rest any doubts that he might have of his wife’s unfaithfulness.
But…, if she happens to be guilty, can you imagine how difficult it would be to stand there, with your head uncovered (a sign that she is not under the protection of her husband – 1 Corinthians 11:7), having your sin exposed to everyone?
We have a hard time as Christians owning up to our sins. We like to blame everyone and everything for our own weaknesses, ie, “the devil made me do it” mentality. No he didn’t. Satan may tempt us, but we are responsible for acting on our temptations.
Maybe it is time for us to step up and take responsibility for actions and to confess our sins before God. 1 John 1:9,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Blessings on the day
PK