Leviticus 13
To read this text CLICK HERE
Leviticus 13:45-46, The person with such an infectious disease must wear torn clothes, let his hair be unkempt, cover the lower part of his face and cry out, ‘Unclean! Unclean!’ As long as he has the infection he remains unclean. He must live alone; he must live outside the camp.
This chapter details the various skin conditions and diseases that could make someone unclean. Anyone with these ailments had to live outside the camp by themselves, wear torn clothing, let their hair down, and yell, "Unclean!" if someone were to come near. Being outside the camp would have meant being separated not just from other people but also from God, since the presence of God dwelt in the camp itself. It was almost like the unclean person was in mourning, being isolated and alone, and the behaviors they had to engage in (torn clothing, unkempt hair, etc.) certainly would have been associated with the mourning process.
This is hard for me to read. I struggle with ostracizing anyone for being afflicted with something out of their control. At the same time, I understand that isolating the sick person minimized spread, which could have occurred at an alarmingly quick rate in the Israelite camp. Furthermore, at the time, there was a strong connection between wholeness and healthy things without blemish AND holiness. If a priest had a physical flaw or disability, he couldn't be a priest. If an animal had a defect, it could not be sacrificed in the tabernacle. Only that which was totally clean, healthy, and whole could risk being near the holiness of God's presence in the tabernacle.
This was an almost impossible standard to keep up. In fact, the people could not keep it up. One purpose of the law was to demonstrate that humanity could not measure up. They could not be whole enough, healthy enough, perfect enough, or pure enough. It just wasn't possible. Thus, a savior was needed. A mediator between God and the people was essential. Jesus Christ became that mediator, the final, perfect sacrifice to end all sacrifices. Jesus fulfilled the law. Everything about him was whole, healthy, pure, and holy. Of course, the irony here is that there was something about the holiness of Jesus that sinners, outcasts, and the sick flocked toward. And Jesus welcomed them with open arms. No more banning skin diseases to outside the camp, Jesus touched the ill. He demonstrated acceptance and love. He turned their mourning into dancing and joy.
Let's pray...Lord Jesus, thank you for making a way for us. We are all so flawed and broken. Yet, you demonstrate your perfect love to us in so many ways. Help us reflect that love toward others, especially those who live on the fringes. May they know your love in powerful ways. Amen.