The next set of regulations were for the cleansing of leprosy, which take up a very large portion of the law. Why? Leprosy like sin spreads and is very contagious. Leprosy like sin numbs people that they don't recognize how disfigured they have become. Leprosy like sin was a very serious problem for the community.

The priest was called upon to determine if a person had leprosy, or not. Leprosy was considered a judgment from God, so the priest was to examine if a person was clean or unclean. The priest must take time before pronouncing his evaluation. According to the symptoms, the priest determined if the rash was a swelling, a scab, a bright spot, a bile, or inflammation. There were regulations if it was on the head, in a beard, or on a bald head.

Similarly, when we evaluate a person's spiritual condition, we must take time to judge the problem for its seriousness and consequences. We must look at how and where sin has affected a person and prayerfully care for them.

As the priest protects the community from leprosy, we need to be cautious in protecting the community from the sin. Only faith in Jesus' blood can cleanse us from sin, evil and injustice and restore us.


Application: Father, please cleanse us and protect our community from the spread of sin by your grace.
One Word: Be on guard against the spread of sin