Cleansing From The Lord

February 19, 2013            Lev 14–15, Mark 1:1–20, Ps 25:7–15, Prov 5:5–7

Leviticus 14-15

Chapters 13-14 deal with leprosy. Notice how leprosy can be compared to sin:

1.      It is deeper than the skin (13:3)

2.      It spreads (13:7); James 1:13-15

3.      It defiles (13:44-46)

4.      It causes separation (13:46)

5.      The end result is fire (13:52)

Chapter 14 deals with the ceremonial cleansing of lepers.

1.      The priest had to go to the leper (14:2), in the same way we are called to go to the sinners and Christ did this to save us (Hebrews 13:10-13; Luke 19:10)

2.      A sacrifice is offered by the priest on behalf of the afflicted (14:4-7), consider what Christ has done as explained in Hebrews 9:22

3.      The leper is to wash (14:8-9), we too are called to be baptized

4.      The leper offers sacrifices in gratitude to God (14:10-13), when we find forgiveness we too should offer the sacrifice of praise and our whole selves to God (Rom. 12:1-2)

5.      The priest applies blood and oil to the man (his ear, thumb, and big toe). (14:14-20) This was to symbolize his whole body belongs to God. He was to listen to God’s Word, work for the Lord with hands, and walk with God all his days. The oil represents the anointing of the Spirit.

Chapter 15 deals with ceremonial purification in regard to sexual organs (males are addressed in 1-18 and women the rest of the chapter).

Mark 1:1-20

The word Gospel means “good news” and it is for everyone. Mark’s Gospel is simple and to the point. Jesus is the long awaited Savior of the world. Malachi ended speaking of the coming forerunner and Mark begins there with John the Baptist.

John’s role was to prepare the way for the coming of the Lord. In what way are you preparing the way for people to encounter Christ?

What was the purpose of the baptism of Jesus? Why were you baptized?

As we read this account it goes very quick because Mark wants to get to the main point of this writing, the crucifixion and resurrection.

Psalm 25:7-15

David asks God to overlook “the sins of my youth,” i.e., the failures, errors, and lapses; the thoughtless transgressions of youth. We all act like a fool in youth and need to ask for God’s forgiveness and wisdom to grow up for some never grow up.

A key word in this section is humility. How does one develop and maintain a spirit of humility? The other phrase in this section is the fear of the Lord. What does that look like in a humble person?

Proverbs 5:5-7          

This whole section deals with the dangers of adultery. Most understand it is wrong and there are major consequences, however it happens a whole lot. Why? How can protect from falling into this sin?

What sins do you need to repent of today?

How can you prepare the way for the Lord today?

Pray for strength to maintain your walk with God.