The Daily Word: Friday, February 22nd, 2019
Leviticus 13:1-59
Mark 6:1-29
Psalm 39:1-13
Proverbs 10:10
For full text click here.
WATCH the video broadcast of this message on Facebook!
Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
But if the bright spot stays in one place, and has not spread, it is the scar of the boil; and the priest shall pronounce him clean. – Lev 13:23
On the surface, God was talking to His people about a skin condition called leprosy. If the priest saw someone with a spot that, “…spread over the skin” (v 22), he should pronounce him unclean because it was a contagious infection. But if the spot, “…stays in one place, and has not spread,” it was just a scar (v 23). So what does this have to do with us, in the 21st century, when leprosy has been virtually eradicated?
The deeper message here has to do not with leprosy, but with community. Often times, Scripture has one surface-level meaning, and another deeper meaning. God is not just talking about spots on the skin here. He is telling us that when someone has been hurt, time away from community may be warranted. If someone’s wound is so fresh that his or her offense is still contagious, they are unclean: unsafe for others to be around. But if someone has a scar, there is no reason to keep them from community!
A scar is not a reason to exclude someone. If they have been through something painful but they are healed, they should be welcomed with open arms. They have been through something hurtful, but they have been repaired! I dream of the day when we – Christians in church – would be willing to roll up our sleeves and show each other our scars; because the way God brought you through your past pain will give hope to someone who needs it today!
Prayer:
Father, I want to pursue Your word for deeper meaning. Help me always to press in and discern what You are trying to say! I want to go deeper than ever in studying Your word, in Jesus’ name.
Archives
See commentary from this day in 2014.
See commentary from this day in 2015.
See commentary from this day in 2016.
See commentary from this day in 2017.
See commentary from this day in 2018.
© Michael D. White, 2019. All rights reserved.