Reflections from March 14, 2011

Today our focus is on health issues and the role of the priest in this. In Leviticus 12, we read about childbirth, and the requirements of the woman after she has given birth to bring sacrifices to the priest.
As written in Leviticus 12:8,
"So the priest shall make atonement for her; and she will be clean."

Then chapters 13 and 14 deal with leprosy, a dreaded disease in ancient times that afflicted the skin. We read in Leviticus 13:2-3,
"...then he shall be brought to Aaron the priest or to one of his sons the priests. The priest shall examine the sore..."
Leviticus 13 provides details on examination and what to do for each stage in appearance of the sores, as well as the leper's clothes.

Leviticus 14 examines the sacrifices to be made by the leper and how the ritual is to be carried out by the priest. So we conclude in Leviticus 14:54-57,
"This is the law for any leprous sore and scale, for the leprosy of a garment and of a house, for a swelling and a scab and a bright spot, to teach when it is unclean and when it is clean. This is the law of leprosy."

Leprosy is all but gone in today's age of modern medicine. However, in ancient times, it was very dreaded disease that had to be dealt with to prevent its spread to others. That's why the priests were involved, so they could impose God's law on those that had been stricken. But, the priests went even further in that they acted as medical professionals as well. They had to diagnose the disease by examinations. That's why God's word was so exacting, discussing the color of skin, the color of hair, whether or not the color was spreading or fading. Through these detailed words, the priests were to examine thoroughly and with care shown to the patient as well. The priest had to provide a "treatment" which usually meant quarantine to prevent the disease from spreading. They had to contain costs for the patients by washing clothes where they could, not burning them. Also to allow for reductions in what was brought for atonement if they couldn't afford to lambs. Then they had to ensure the environment was sanitized to stop it's spread.

By all of this, it's clear that God was very interested in the health of the Israelites, by these laws, by the dietary laws, and in how God wanted them to deal with these issues. It's no less today with God, He's still interested in how we deal with our health. God didn't let the Israelites take risks, so we should ask ourselves, what risks are we taking and is it worth it? Some day, we may be held accountable for these decisions.

In Psalms we read about having God's wisdom in our lives and using this understanding to help make right decisions. We read in Psalms 111:10,
"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do His commandments."

Blessings to all