Confessional Lutheran Ministerium

Leviticus 18:1-18 NKJV

18 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ² “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘I am the Lord your God. ³ According to the doings of the land of Egypt, where you dwelt, you shall not do; and according to the doings of the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you, you shall not do; nor shall you walk in their ordinances. ⁴ You shall observe My judgments and keep My ordinances, to walk in them: I am the Lord your God. ⁵ You shall therefore keep My statutes and My judgments, which if a man does, he shall live by them: I am the Lord.

⁶ ‘None of you shall approach anyone who is near of kin to him, to uncover his nakedness: I am the Lord. ⁷ The nakedness of your father or the nakedness of your mother you shall not uncover. She is your mother; you shall not uncover her nakedness. ⁸ The nakedness of your father’s wife you shall not uncover; it is your father’s nakedness. ⁹ The nakedness of your sister, the daughter of your father, or the daughter of your mother, whether born at home or elsewhere, their nakedness you shall not uncover. ¹⁰ The nakedness of your son’s daughter or your daughter’s daughter, their nakedness you shall not uncover; for theirs is your own nakedness. ¹¹ The nakedness of your father’s wife’s daughter, begotten by your father—she is your sister—you shall not uncover her nakedness. ¹² You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father’s sister; she is near of kin to your father. ¹³ You shall not uncover the nakedness of your mother’s sister, for she is near of kin to your mother. ¹⁴ You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father’s brother. You shall not approach his wife; she is your aunt. ¹⁵ You shall not uncover the nakedness of your daughter-in-law—she is your son’s wife—you shall not uncover her nakedness. ¹⁶ You shall not uncover the nakedness of your brother’s wife; it is your brother’s nakedness. ¹⁷ You shall not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter, nor shall you take her son’s daughter or her daughter’s daughter, to uncover her nakedness. They are near of kin to her. It is wickedness. ¹⁸ Nor shall you take a woman as a rival to her sister, to uncover her nakedness while the other is alive.

Egypt and Canaan were filled with the worship of false gods and practices detestable in the sight of the Lord. God’s message to His people is clear, do not live like the world around you lives.

God’s ways are always better than the ways of this world. Whenever we walk in the statutes of the Lord there are wonderful blessings for our life and our relationships. This is part of the Lord’s design in calling a people unto Himself. 

Sadly, as the young nation of Israel would demonstrate in the years ahead, sin causes us to gravitate to the ways of the world rather than the ways of God. The law is given to God’s people as a guide for holy living and for a mirror that shows us our sin and our need for a Saviour. Thus, life and salvation does not come through obedience to the law.

The full design of God’s blessing for His people can be found in the New Covenant established by our Saviour, Jesus. He is the man who kept the Law of God perfectly and then laid down His perfect life as a sacrifice for our sin. Through the merits of Christ and faith in His atoning sacrifice, we are made partakers of His life and salvation. For those who trust in the completed work of Christ, God’s Word tells us, “you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now you have obtained mercy (1 Peter 2:9-10).

Let us pray: Almighty God, Heavenly Father, of Your tender love You gave Your only-begotten Son, that believing in Him, we would have eternal life. By your Holy Spirit, keep me steadfast in this one, true faith unto eternal life. Amen.

Psalm 94:1-11 NKJV

94 O Lord God, to whom vengeance belongs—
O God, to whom vengeance belongs, shine forth!
² Rise up, O Judge of the earth;
Render punishment to the proud.
³ Lord, how long will the wicked,
How long will the wicked triumph?

⁴ They utter speech, and speak insolent things;
All the workers of iniquity boast in themselves.
⁵ They break in pieces Your people, O Lord,
And afflict Your heritage.
⁶ They slay the widow and the stranger,
And murder the fatherless.
⁷ Yet they say, “The Lord does not see,
Nor does the God of Jacob understand.”

⁸ Understand, you senseless among the people;
And you fools, when will you be wise?
⁹ He who planted the ear, shall He not hear?
He who formed the eye, shall He not see?
¹⁰ He who instructs the nations, shall He not correct,
He who teaches man knowledge?
¹¹ The Lord knows the thoughts of man,
That they are futile.

Many of Hollywood’s most popular movies are based on the theme of revenge. Perhaps the reason for this popularity is that we like to see wrongdoers punished and get what is coming to them. 

The Bible has a great deal to say about revenge. Both the Hebrew and Greek words translated “vengeance,” “revenge,” and “avenge,” have as their root meaning the idea of punishment. This is crucial as to why God reserves the right to avenge for Himself. Unlike us, God never takes vengeance from impure motives. His vengeance is for the purpose of punishing those who have offended and rejected Him. We can, however, pray for God to avenge Himself in perfection and holiness against His enemies and to avenge those who are oppressed by evil. In our reading for today (Psalm 94:1-2), the psalmist prays for God to avenge the righteous, not out of a sense of uncontrolled vindictiveness, but out of just retribution from the eternal Judge whose judgments are perfect.

It is tempting to try to take on the role of God and seek to punish those who we feel deserve it. But because we are sinful, it is impossible for us to take revenge with pure motives. This is why God tells his people, “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord” (Leviticus 19:18).

As God’s people in Christ, we are to follow the Lord’s command to “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44), leaving the vengeance to Him alone – to the God of vengeance poured out His wrath against our sin upon His Son who hung on the cross for our offenses – to our Saviour, Jesus, the “judge of the earth” who will return in His glory to render punishment to the proud – to the Holy Spirit who through word and sacrament, calls us to saving faith, comforts, teaches and sanctifies us unto eternal life.

Let us pray: Thy will be done, O Lord. Amen.

Psalm 89:30-52 NKJV

³⁰ “If his sons forsake My law
And do not walk in My judgments,
³¹ If they break My statutes
And do not keep My commandments,
³² Then I will punish their transgression with the rod,
And their iniquity with stripes.
³³ Nevertheless My lovingkindness I will not utterly take from him,
Nor allow My faithfulness to fail.
³⁴ My covenant I will not break,
Nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips.
³⁵ Once I have sworn by My holiness;
I will not lie to David:
³⁶ His seed shall endure forever,
And his throne as the sun before Me;
³⁷ It shall be established forever like the moon,
Even like the faithful witness in the sky.” Selah

³⁸ But You have cast off and abhorred,
You have been furious with Your anointed.
³⁹ You have renounced the covenant of Your servant;
You have profaned his crown by casting it to the ground.
⁴⁰ You have broken down all his hedges;
You have brought his strongholds to ruin.
⁴¹ All who pass by the way plunder him;
He is a reproach to his neighbors.
⁴² You have exalted the right hand of his adversaries;
You have made all his enemies rejoice.
⁴³ You have also turned back the edge of his sword,
And have not sustained him in the battle.
⁴⁴ You have made his glory cease,
And cast his throne down to the ground.
⁴⁵ The days of his youth You have shortened;
You have covered him with shame. Selah

⁴⁶ How long, Lord?
Will You hide Yourself forever?
Will Your wrath burn like fire?
⁴⁷ Remember how short my time is;
For what futility have You created all the children of men?
⁴⁸ What man can live and not see death?
Can he deliver his life from the power of the grave? Selah

⁴⁹ Lord, where are Your former lovingkindnesses,
Which You swore to David in Your truth?
⁵⁰ Remember, Lord, the reproach of Your servants—
How I bear in my bosom the reproach of all the many peoples,
⁵¹ With which Your enemies have reproached, O Lord,
With which they have reproached the footsteps of Your anointed.

⁵² Blessed be the Lord forevermore!
Amen and Amen.

Psalm 89 beautifully recounts God’s covenant with David, a promise of an everlasting kingdom through his lineage. Yet, in verses 30–52, the psalmist shifts to a tone of lament. He wrestles with the tension between God’s promises and the apparent reality of divine discipline and suffering.

The psalm acknowledges that when God’s people forsake His law and break His statutes, He will chastise them. God’s discipline is not a sign of abandonment but of His steadfast love. As a faithful Father, He corrects His children to draw them back to Himself. Though His rod of discipline may sting, it is always wielded for our good, to produce repentance and restoration.

The psalmist also affirms God’s unchanging character. Despite the people’s unfaithfulness, God’s covenant with David stands firm, grounded in His eternal faithfulness (v. 33). Even when circumstances seem to contradict His promises, we are reminded that His Word is unbreakable, for He has sworn it by His holiness (v. 35).

Yet, the psalmist is honest about his pain and confusion. He cries out, asking how long God’s wrath will burn and why His anointed one has been cast down (vv. 46–49). This raw lament teaches us that it is not wrong to bring our questions and sorrows before the Lord. Faith does not mean suppressing our struggles but bringing them to the God who hears and cares.

As Christians, we find the ultimate fulfillment of God’s covenant with David in Jesus Christ, the eternal King. Though David’s earthly throne faltered, Christ reigns forever. His life, death, and resurrection assure us that God’s promises are true and that His steadfast love endures.

When we face times of discipline or difficulty, Psalm 89 reminds us to trust in God’s faithfulness. His covenant love never wavers, and His plans for His people will not fail. Let us cling to His promises, even in the midst of trials, knowing that His purposes are always for our good and His glory.

Let us pray: Faithful God, thank You for Your unchanging promises and steadfast love. Help us to trust in Your faithfulness, even when life is hard, and to find hope in the eternal reign of Christ. Amen.

Leviticus 16:23-34; 17:1-16 NKJV

²³ “Then Aaron shall come into the tabernacle of meeting, shall take off the linen garments which he put on when he went into the Holy Place, and shall leave them there. ²⁴ And he shall wash his body with water in a holy place, put on his garments, come out and offer his burnt offering and the burnt offering of the people, and make atonement for himself and for the people. ²⁵ The fat of the sin offering he shall burn on the altar. ²⁶ And he who released the goat as the scapegoat shall wash his clothes and bathe his body in water, and afterward he may come into the camp. ²⁷ The bull for the sin offering and the goat for the sin offering, whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the Holy Place, shall be carried outside the camp. And they shall burn in the fire their skins, their flesh, and their offal. ²⁸ Then he who burns them shall wash his clothes and bathe his body in water, and afterward he may come into the camp.

²⁹ “This shall be a statute forever for you: In the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls, and do no work at all, whether a native of your own country or a stranger who dwells among you. ³⁰ For on that day the priest shall make atonement for you, to cleanse you, that you may be clean from all your sins before the Lord. ³¹ It is a sabbath of solemn rest for you, and you shall afflict your souls. It is a statute forever. ³² And the priest, who is anointed and consecrated to minister as priest in his father’s place, shall make atonement, and put on the linen clothes, the holy garments; ³³ then he shall make atonement for the Holy Sanctuary, and he shall make atonement for the tabernacle of meeting and for the altar, and he shall make atonement for the priests and for all the people of the assembly. ³⁴ This shall be an everlasting statute for you, to make atonement for the children of Israel, for all their sins, once a year.” And he did as the Lord commanded Moses.

17 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ² “Speak to Aaron, to his sons, and to all the children of Israel, and say to them, ‘This is the thing which the Lord has commanded, saying: ³ “Whatever man of the house of Israel who kills an ox or lamb or goat in the camp, or who kills it outside the camp, ⁴ and does not bring it to the door of the tabernacle of meeting to offer an offering to the Lord before the tabernacle of the Lord, the guilt of bloodshed shall be imputed to that man. He has shed blood; and that man shall be cut off from among his people, ⁵ to the end that the children of Israel may bring their sacrifices which they offer in the open field, that they may bring them to the Lord at the door of the tabernacle of meeting, to the priest, and offer them as peace offerings to the Lord. ⁶ And the priest shall sprinkle the blood on the altar of the Lord at the door of the tabernacle of meeting, and burn the fat for a sweet aroma to the Lord. ⁷ They shall no more offer their sacrifices to demons, after whom they have played the harlot. This shall be a statute forever for them throughout their generations.” ’

⁸ “Also you shall say to them: ‘Whatever man of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who dwell among you, who offers a burnt offering or sacrifice, ⁹ and does not bring it to the door of the tabernacle of meeting, to offer it to the Lord, that man shall be cut off from among his people.

¹⁰ ‘And whatever man of the house of Israel, or of the strangers who dwell among you, who eats any blood, I will set My face against that person who eats blood, and will cut him off from among his people. ¹¹ For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul.’ ¹² Therefore I said to the children of Israel, ‘No one among you shall eat blood, nor shall any stranger who dwells among you eat blood.’

¹³ “Whatever man of the children of Israel, or of the strangers who dwell among you, who hunts and catches any animal or bird that may be eaten, he shall pour out its blood and cover it with dust; ¹⁴ for it is the life of all flesh. Its blood sustains its life. Therefore I said to the children of Israel, ‘You shall not eat the blood of any flesh, for the life of all flesh is its blood. Whoever eats it shall be cut off.’

¹⁵ “And every person who eats what died naturally or what was torn by beasts, whether he is a native of your own country or a stranger, he shall both wash his clothes and bathe in water, and be unclean until evening. Then he shall be clean. ¹⁶ But if he does not wash them or bathe his body, then he shall bear his guilt.”

God’s instructions to Israel in these verses reveal His holiness and His desire for His people to live in reverence and obedience. The themes of atonement and the sacredness of life stand at the heart of these chapters, reminding us of the cost of sin and the provision of forgiveness through blood.

The Day of Atonement ceremony concludes with the high priest washing and changing his garments before reentering the camp. This cleansing symbolized the separation between sin and holiness. The rituals of this day were to be observed yearly, providing atonement for both the people and the tabernacle, which was defiled by their sins. God’s command to make this a permanent statute reflected His commitment to dwell among His people, even though they were sinful.

In chapter 17, the focus shifts to the sanctity of blood. God instructed that all sacrifices must be brought to the tabernacle and offered to Him (3–5). This command ensured that worship remained centered on God and not corrupted by pagan practices. It also reminded the Israelites that life belongs to the LORD, for “the life of the flesh is in the blood” (11).

Blood was not only sacred but also the means of atonement. God declared, “It is the blood that makes atonement for the soul” (17:11). This truth points directly to Jesus Christ, whose blood was shed for the forgiveness of our sins. Through His sacrifice and faith in Him, we have been cleansed and reconciled to God.

The prohibition against eating blood (17:12–14) underscored the value of life and taught the people to honor the Creator who gives it. This reverence for life serves as a reminder to us today that we are stewards of God’s creation, called to respect His design and purpose in all things. As we reflect on these passages, we are reminded of the holiness of God, the seriousness of sin, and the grace He provides through atonement. Let us live in gratitude for the life given for us and for forgiveness through faith in Christ. Let us pray: Holy God, thank You for the atonement provided through the blood of Jesus. Help us live in reverence for You, honoring the life and salvation You have given us. Amen.

Leviticus 16:1-22 NKJV

16 Now the Lord spoke to Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they offered profane fire before the Lord, and died; ² and the Lord said to Moses: “Tell Aaron your brother not to come at just any time into the Holy Place inside the veil, before the mercy seat which is on the ark, lest he die; for I will appear in the cloud above the mercy seat.

³ “Thus Aaron shall come into the Holy Place: with the blood of a young bull as a sin offering, and of a ram as a burnt offering. ⁴ He shall put the holy linen tunic and the linen trousers on his body; he shall be girded with a linen sash, and with the linen turban he shall be attired. These are holy garments. Therefore he shall wash his body in water, and put them on. ⁵ And he shall take from the congregation of the children of Israel two kids of the goats as a sin offering, and one ram as a burnt offering.

⁶ “Aaron shall offer the bull as a sin offering, which is for himself, and make atonement for himself and for his house. ⁷ He shall take the two goats and present them before the Lord at the door of the tabernacle of meeting. ⁸ Then Aaron shall cast lots for the two goats: one lot for the Lord and the other lot for the scapegoat. ⁹ And Aaron shall bring the goat on which the Lord’s lot fell, and offer it as a sin offering. ¹⁰ But the goat on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the Lord, to make atonement upon it, and to let it go as the scapegoat into the wilderness.

¹¹ “And Aaron shall bring the bull of the sin offering, which is for himself, and make atonement for himself and for his house, and shall kill the bull as the sin offering which is for himself. ¹² Then he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from the altar before the Lord, with his hands full of sweet incense beaten fine, and bring it inside the veil. ¹³ And he shall put the incense on the fire before the Lord, that the cloud of incense may cover the mercy seat that is on the Testimony, lest he die. ¹⁴ He shall take some of the blood of the bull and sprinkle it with his finger on the mercy seat on the east side; and before the mercy seat he shall sprinkle some of the blood with his finger seven times.

¹⁵ “Then he shall kill the goat of the sin offering, which is for the people, bring its blood inside the veil, do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bull, and sprinkle it on the mercy seat and before the mercy seat. ¹⁶ So he shall make atonement for the Holy Place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel, and because of their transgressions, for all their sins; and so he shall do for the tabernacle of meeting which remains among them in the midst of their uncleanness. ¹⁷ There shall be no man in the tabernacle of meeting when he goes in to make atonement in the Holy Place, until he comes out, that he may make atonement for himself, for his household, and for all the assembly of Israel. ¹⁸ And he shall go out to the altar that is before the Lord, and make atonement for it, and shall take some of the blood of the bull and some of the blood of the goat, and put it on the horns of the altar all around. ¹⁹ Then he shall sprinkle some of the blood on it with his finger seven times, cleanse it, and consecrate it from the uncleanness of the children of Israel.

²⁰ “And when he has made an end of atoning for the Holy Place, the tabernacle of meeting, and the altar, he shall bring the live goat. ²¹ Aaron shall lay both his hands on the head of the live goat, confess over it all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions, concerning all their sins, putting them on the head of the goat, and shall send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a suitable man. ²² The goat shall bear on itself all their iniquities to an uninhabited land; and he shall release the goat in the wilderness.

The Day of Atonement, described in Leviticus 16:1–22, stands as one of the most profound moments in Israel’s worship life. Through this ceremony, God provided a means for His people to be cleansed of their sins and restored to fellowship with Him. This sacred day began with Aaron, the high priest, entering the Most Holy Place—a space he was forbidden to enter on any other day lest he die (v. 2). He was to bring offerings both for himself and for the people, highlighting that even the high priest required cleansing. Dressed in simple, holy garments, Aaron was reminded that his authority came not from his position but from God’s grace.

Central to the ceremony were two goats. One was sacrificed as a sin offering, and its blood was sprinkled on the mercy seat (v. 15), to illustrate the covering of sin and the satisfaction of God’s justice. The second goat, known as the scapegoat, was presented alive. Aaron laid his hands on its head, confessing over it all the iniquities of the people. This goat was then sent into the wilderness, bearing their sins far away (v. 21-22).

These two goats paint a vivid picture of what Christ has done for us. Through His blood, shed on the cross, He has atoned for our sins, fulfilling the justice of God. Through our faith in Him, He has carried our sins far away, like the scapegoat, removing them “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12).

The Day of Atonement was not merely about ritual but about restoration. It reminded God’s people of their sinfulness and their need for His mercy. Yet, it also pointed to the complete and final atonement made by Jesus, our Great High Priest, who entered not a sanctuary made with hands but heaven itself to appear in the presence of God for us (Hebrews 9:24).

Let us live each day in gratitude for the perfect atonement accomplished through Christ. Through faith in Him, He has cleansed us, removed our guilt, and brought us near to God. Let us pray: Gracious God, thank You for the perfect atonement made through Jesus. Help us to trust in His sacrifice for us and live in the joy and freedom of Your forgiveness. Amen.

Leviticus 14:33-57 NKJV

³³ And the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying: ³⁴ “When you have come into the land of Canaan, which I give you as a possession, and I put the leprous plague in a house in the land of your possession, ³⁵ and he who owns the house comes and tells the priest, saying, ‘It seems to me that there is some plague in the house,’ ³⁶ then the priest shall command that they empty the house, before the priest goes into it to examine the plague, that all that is in the house may not be made unclean; and afterward the priest shall go in to examine the house. ³⁷ And he shall examine the plague; and indeed if the plague is on the walls of the house with ingrained streaks, greenish or reddish, which appear to be deep in the wall, ³⁸ then the priest shall go out of the house, to the door of the house, and shut up the house seven days. ³⁹ And the priest shall come again on the seventh day and look; and indeed if the plague has spread on the walls of the house, ⁴⁰ then the priest shall command that they take away the stones in which is the plague, and they shall cast them into an unclean place outside the city. ⁴¹ And he shall cause the house to be scraped inside, all around, and the dust that they scrape off they shall pour out in an unclean place outside the city. ⁴² Then they shall take other stones and put them in the place of those stones, and he shall take other mortar and plaster the house.

⁴³ “Now if the plague comes back and breaks out in the house, after he has taken away the stones, after he has scraped the house, and after it is plastered, ⁴⁴ then the priest shall come and look; and indeed if the plague has spread in the house, it is an active leprosy in the house. It is unclean. ⁴⁵ And he shall break down the house, its stones, its timber, and all the plaster of the house, and he shall carry them outside the city to an unclean place. ⁴⁶ Moreover he who goes into the house at all while it is shut up shall be unclean until evening. ⁴⁷ And he who lies down in the house shall wash his clothes, and he who eats in the house shall wash his clothes.

⁴⁸ “But if the priest comes in and examines it, and indeed the plague has not spread in the house after the house was plastered, then the priest shall pronounce the house clean, because the plague is healed. ⁴⁹ And he shall take, to cleanse the house, two birds, cedar wood, scarlet, and hyssop. ⁵⁰ Then he shall kill one of the birds in an earthen vessel over running water; ⁵¹ and he shall take the cedar wood, the hyssop, the scarlet, and the living bird, and dip them in the blood of the slain bird and in the running water, and sprinkle the house seven times. ⁵² And he shall cleanse the house with the blood of the bird and the running water and the living bird, with the cedar wood, the hyssop, and the scarlet. ⁵³ Then he shall let the living bird loose outside the city in the open field, and make atonement for the house, and it shall be clean.

⁵⁴ “This is the law for any leprous sore and scale, ⁵⁵ for the leprosy of a garment and of a house, ⁵⁶ for a swelling and a scab and a bright spot, ⁵⁷ to teach when it is unclean and when it is clean. This is the law of leprosy.”

When we think about holiness, the cleansing of houses, as described in these verses, may not be the first thing that comes to mind. Yet, this passage demonstrates that God’s concern for purity extends to every part of our lives, including the places we dwell. The instructions for addressing a house plagued with leprosy teach us that sin and defilement are not only personal but can affect our surroundings. When the priest came to examine a house, it wasn’t merely about structural issues; it symbolized a deeper reality. The defilement of the house served as a visible reminder of how sin corrupts and spreads.

If a house showed signs of the plague, stones were removed, walls scraped, and new materials brought in to replace the old. If the infection persisted, the entire house was destroyed (v. 43–45). This drastic action underscores the seriousness of dealing with defilement. There could be no compromise, no tolerance for what would ultimately destroy. Similarly, we are called to address sin in our lives and homes without hesitation, rooting it out completely so it does not corrupt further.

Yet, even in this stern process, we see God’s mercy. If the plague was removed, the house could be declared clean. The ritual involved two birds, cedarwood, scarlet, and hyssop—elements pointing to cleansing, life, and restoration. One bird was killed, and its blood was sprinkled on the house, while the other was released (v. 49–53). This act not only symbolized purification but also pointed forward to the ultimate cleansing we have through Christ’s sacrifice.

God’s care for the homes of His people reminds us that our faith is not confined to specific rituals or places. His holiness touches every part of our lives. As we seek to follow Him, we are called to dedicate not only ourselves but also our homes to His service, ensuring they are places of purity, peace, and worship. May we trust in God’s provision for cleansing, knowing that through Jesus, we are made clean and restored to fellowship with Him.

Let us pray: Holy God, thank You for cleansing us and calling us to lives of purity. Help us make our homes places where You are honored, and Your holiness is reflected. Amen.

Leviticus 14:10-32 NKJV

¹⁰ “And on the eighth day he shall take two male lambs without blemish, one ewe lamb of the first year without blemish, three-tenths of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering, and one log of oil. ¹¹ Then the priest who makes him clean shall present the man who is to be made clean, and those things, before the Lord, at the door of the tabernacle of meeting. ¹² And the priest shall take one male lamb and offer it as a trespass offering, and the log of oil, and wave them as a wave offering before the Lord. ¹³ Then he shall kill the lamb in the place where he kills the sin offering and the burnt offering, in a holy place; for as the sin offering is the priest’s, so is the trespass offering. It is most holy. ¹⁴ The priest shall take some of the blood of the trespass offering, and the priest shall put it on the tip of the right ear of him who is to be cleansed, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot. ¹⁵ And the priest shall take some of the log of oil, and pour it into the palm of his own left hand. ¹⁶ Then the priest shall dip his right finger in the oil that is in his left hand, and shall sprinkle some of the oil with his finger seven times before the Lord. ¹⁷ And of the rest of the oil in his hand, the priest shall put some on the tip of the right ear of him who is to be cleansed, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot, on the blood of the trespass offering. ¹⁸ The rest of the oil that is in the priest’s hand he shall put on the head of him who is to be cleansed. So the priest shall make atonement for him before the Lord.

¹⁹ “Then the priest shall offer the sin offering, and make atonement for him who is to be cleansed from his uncleanness. Afterward he shall kill the burnt offering. ²⁰ And the priest shall offer the burnt offering and the grain offering on the altar. So the priest shall make atonement for him, and he shall be clean.

²¹ “But if he is poor and cannot afford it, then he shall take one male lamb as a trespass offering to be waved, to make atonement for him, one-tenth of an ephah of fine flour mixed with oil as a grain offering, a log of oil, ²² and two turtledoves or two young pigeons, such as he is able to afford: one shall be a sin offering and the other a burnt offering. ²³ He shall bring them to the priest on the eighth day for his cleansing, to the door of the tabernacle of meeting, before the Lord. ²⁴ And the priest shall take the lamb of the trespass offering and the log of oil, and the priest shall wave them as a wave offering before the Lord. ²⁵ Then he shall kill the lamb of the trespass offering, and the priest shall take some of the blood of the trespass offering and put it on the tip of the right ear of him who is to be cleansed, on the thumb of his right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot. ²⁶ And the priest shall pour some of the oil into the palm of his own left hand. ²⁷ Then the priest shall sprinkle with his right finger some of the oil that is in his left hand seven times before the Lord. ²⁸ And the priest shall put some of the oil that is in his hand on the tip of the right ear of him who is to be cleansed, on the thumb of the right hand, and on the big toe of his right foot, on the place of the blood of the trespass offering. ²⁹ The rest of the oil that is in the priest’s hand he shall put on the head of him who is to be cleansed, to make atonement for him before the Lord. ³⁰ And he shall offer one of the turtledoves or young pigeons, such as he can afford— ³¹ such as he is able to afford, the one as a sin offering and the other as a burnt offering, with the grain offering. So the priest shall make atonement for him who is to be cleansed before the Lord. ³² This is the law for one who had a leprous sore, who cannot afford the usual cleansing.”

The detailed instructions in this passage for the cleansing of a leper who has been healed reveal God’s provision for restoration and the depth of His mercy toward those who have been defiled. The process required for the restoration of the leper included offerings of animals, fine flour, and oil. These offerings varied depending on the person’s means, highlighting God’s compassion. He made a way for everyone, regardless of wealth, to approach Him and be restored. The requirement of both sin and burnt offerings underscores that the cleansing of the leper was not merely physical but also spiritual. Defilement touched the whole person, and only through God’s provision could restoration be complete.

The ritual included anointing with oil, symbolizing consecration. The priest applied oil to the cleansed person’s right ear, thumb, and big toe—the same places anointed during the ordination of priests (Exodus 29:20). This act signified that the cleansed individual was now set apart to hear God’s Word, act according to His will, and walk in His ways—a reminder that God’s cleansing renews our entire being for His service.

Another striking aspect of this passage is the way it reflects the grace and generosity of God. He not only healed the leper but also provided a path back into the community and worship. For the one who could not afford the regular offerings, the Lord made provisions so that even the poorest could fully participate in the cleansing and restoration. This foreshadows the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, whose blood was shed for all, regardless of status or ability to give.

As we reflect on this passage, we are reminded of our own spiritual cleansing through Jesus. Just as the healed leper needed a priest to offer sacrifices on their behalf, we rely on Jesus, our great High Priest, who offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice. Through Him, we are made clean and brought into fellowship with God and His people. Let us pray: Merciful Lord, thank You for cleansing us through the sacrifice of Jesus. Help us to live as people set apart for Your service, walking in Your ways and glorifying Your name. Amen.

Leviticus 13:47-59; 14:1-9 NKJV

⁴⁷ “Also, if a garment has a leprous plague in it, whether it is a woolen garment or a linen garment, ⁴⁸ whether it is in the warp or woof of linen or wool, whether in leather or in anything made of leather, ⁴⁹ and if the plague is greenish or reddish in the garment or in the leather, whether in the warp or in the woof, or in anything made of leather, it is a leprous plague and shall be shown to the priest. ⁵⁰ The priest shall examine the plague and isolate that which has the plague seven days. ⁵¹ And he shall examine the plague on the seventh day. If the plague has spread in the garment, either in the warp or in the woof, in the leather or in anything made of leather, the plague is an active leprosy. It is unclean. ⁵² He shall therefore burn that garment in which is the plague, whether warp or woof, in wool or in linen, or anything of leather, for it is an active leprosy; the garment shall be burned in the fire.

⁵³ “But if the priest examines it, and indeed the plague has not spread in the garment, either in the warp or in the woof, or in anything made of leather, ⁵⁴ then the priest shall command that they wash the thing in which is the plague; and he shall isolate it another seven days. ⁵⁵ Then the priest shall examine the plague after it has been washed; and indeed if the plague has not changed its color, though the plague has not spread, it is unclean, and you shall burn it in the fire; it continues eating away, whether the damage is outside or inside. ⁵⁶ If the priest examines it, and indeed the plague has faded after washing it, then he shall tear it out of the garment, whether out of the warp or out of the woof, or out of the leather. ⁵⁷ But if it appears again in the garment, either in the warp or in the woof, or in anything made of leather, it is a spreading plague; you shall burn with fire that in which is the plague. ⁵⁸ And if you wash the garment, either warp or woof, or whatever is made of leather, if the plague has disappeared from it, then it shall be washed a second time, and shall be clean.

⁵⁹ “This is the law of the leprous plague in a garment of wool or linen, either in the warp or woof, or in anything made of leather, to pronounce it clean or to pronounce it unclean.”

14 Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ² “This shall be the law of the leper for the day of his cleansing: He shall be brought to the priest. ³ And the priest shall go out of the camp, and the priest shall examine him; and indeed, if the leprosy is healed in the leper, ⁴ then the priest shall command to take for him who is to be cleansed two living and clean birds, cedar wood, scarlet, and hyssop. ⁵ And the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed in an earthen vessel over running water. ⁶ As for the living bird, he shall take it, the cedar wood and the scarlet and the hyssop, and dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water. ⁷ And he shall sprinkle it seven times on him who is to be cleansed from the leprosy, and shall pronounce him clean, and shall let the living bird loose in the open field. ⁸ He who is to be cleansed shall wash his clothes, shave off all his hair, and wash himself in water, that he may be clean. After that he shall come into the camp, and shall stay outside his tent seven days. ⁹ But on the seventh day he shall shave all the hair off his head and his beard and his eyebrows—all his hair he shall shave off. He shall wash his clothes and wash his body in water, and he shall be clean.

The laws in Leviticus concerning leprosy may seem distant and obscure to us today. Yet, as we reflect on these verses, we see how God’s holiness touches every aspect of life, even the garments we wear and the rituals for cleansing. These passages remind us of His desire for purity among His people and His provision for restoration.

In chapter 13, the focus is on garments affected by leprosy. The meticulous instructions for inspection, isolation, and potential destruction of infected clothing reflect God’s concern for the community’s well-being. What seems mundane serves as a vivid illustration of how sin, like leprosy, defiles and spreads. Just as the infected garment is either cleansed or destroyed, sin must be dealt with thoroughly to preserve spiritual health.

Moving into chapter 14, we find a beautiful picture of restoration. For the person healed of leprosy, the cleansing ritual involved two living birds—One bird was killed, and its blood was used to cleanse the person, while the living bird was released into the open field (4–7). This imagery speaks of both the cost of cleansing and the freedom granted through it. The scarlet and hyssop remind us of the blood of Christ, which cleanses us from all sin (Heb 9:22). After the cleansing ritual, the person bathed, washed their clothes, and shaved off all hair. This act symbolized a fresh start, renewal of life and restoration to the community. It’s a reminder that God not only forgives but also restores us to fellowship with Him and His people.

Though we no longer live under the Old Testament ceremonial laws, the principles remain relevant. Sin defiles, separates, and destroys, but God’s provision through Christ brings cleansing and restoration. Just as the leper’s cleansing required sacrifice and blood, our salvation comes at the cost of Christ’s blood, shed for us on the cross. May we live each day in gratitude for God’s gift of cleansing, walking in newness of life and seeking to reflect His holiness.

Let us pray: Holy God, thank You for cleansing us from sin through the blood of Your Son. Help us live as Your renewed and restored people, reflecting Your holiness in all we do. Amen.

Psalm 89:6-18 NKJV

⁶ For who in the heavens can be compared to the Lord?
Who among the sons of the mighty can be likened to the Lord?
⁷ God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints,
And to be held in reverence by all those around Him.
⁸ O Lord God of hosts,
Who is mighty like You, O Lord?
Your faithfulness also surrounds You.
⁹ You rule the raging of the sea;
When its waves rise, You still them.
¹⁰ You have broken Rahab in pieces, as one who is slain;
You have scattered Your enemies with Your mighty arm.

¹¹ The heavens are Yours, the earth also is Yours;
The world and all its fullness, You have founded them.
¹² The north and the south, You have created them;
Tabor and Hermon rejoice in Your name.
¹³ You have a mighty arm;
Strong is Your hand, and high is Your right hand.
¹⁴ Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne;
Mercy and truth go before Your face.
¹⁵ Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound!
They walk, O Lord, in the light of Your countenance.
¹⁶ In Your name they rejoice all day long,
And in Your righteousness they are exalted.
¹⁷ For You are the glory of their strength,
And in Your favor our horn is exalted.
¹⁸ For our shield belongs to the Lord,
And our king to the Holy One of Israel.

Who among the heavenly beings is like the LORD? The psalmist exalts the uniqueness and majesty of God, declaring that no one compares to Him. Psalm 89:6-18 lifts our eyes to the heavens, reminding us that the LORD is not only powerful but also faithful to His promises. In a world filled with fleeting allegiances and broken commitments, this passage draws us to the steadfastness of our God.

The psalmist begins with a vision of the heavenly council, where even the mightiest angels revere God (v. 6-7). He is “greatly to be feared” and “awesome above all.” This awe is not terror but the proper recognition of God’s holiness, power, and majesty. As the Creator, He established the earth and the seas. The raging waves, so untamable to man, are calmed by His word (v. 9).

The psalm continues by recounting God’s acts of salvation. Rahab—a poetic name for Egypt—was crushed by His power (v. 10). This reminds us of the Exodus, where God redeemed His people with an outstretched arm. His right hand, a symbol of strength, continues to guide and protect His people.

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of God’s throne (v. 14). Unlike human rulers, whose decisions are often clouded by selfishness or error, God’s rule is perfect. Mercy and truth go before Him, surrounding His every action. When we feel the weight of injustice in this world, we can take comfort that our God reigns with absolute righteousness.

The psalm ends with a declaration of blessing for those who know “the joyful sound” (v. 15). To walk in the light of His countenance is to live in fellowship with Him, guided by His Word and rejoicing in His presence. His strength becomes our strength, His favor our shield (v. 17-18).

Let us live each day in the assurance of God’s faithfulness, confident that He who holds the heavens also holds our lives. Let us pray: Faithful God, we praise You for Your steadfast love and power. Help us walk in Your light, trusting in Your righteousness and rejoicing in Your mercy. Amen.

 Psalm 88:1-18 NKJV

88 O Lord, God of my salvation,
I have cried out day and night before You.
² Let my prayer come before You;
Incline Your ear to my cry.

³ For my soul is full of troubles,
And my life draws near to the grave.
⁴ I am counted with those who go down to the pit;
I am like a man who has no strength,
⁵ Adrift among the dead,
Like the slain who lie in the grave,
Whom You remember no more,
And who are cut off from Your hand.

⁶ You have laid me in the lowest pit,
In darkness, in the depths.
⁷ Your wrath lies heavy upon me,
And You have afflicted me with all Your waves. Selah
⁸ You have put away my acquaintances far from me;
You have made me an abomination to them;
I am shut up, and I cannot get out;
⁹ My eye wastes away because of affliction.

Lord, I have called daily upon You;
I have stretched out my hands to You.
¹⁰ Will You work wonders for the dead?
Shall the dead arise and praise You? Selah
¹¹ Shall Your lovingkindness be declared in the grave?
Or Your faithfulness in the place of destruction?
¹² Shall Your wonders be known in the dark?
And Your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?

¹³ But to You I have cried out, O Lord,
And in the morning my prayer comes before You.
¹⁴ Lord, why do You cast off my soul?
Why do You hide Your face from me?
¹⁵ I have been afflicted and ready to die from my youth;
I suffer Your terrors;
I am distraught.
¹⁶ Your fierce wrath has gone over me;
Your terrors have cut me off.
¹⁷ They came around me all day long like water;
They engulfed me altogether.
¹⁸ Loved one and friend You have put far from me,
And my acquaintances into darkness.

The Christian life is a life of joy and peace. We revel in the love God has for us, and in the knowledge of His fatherly wisdom and care. We’ve seen His love on display in giving His Son into death for our sins. We are confident that all things must work together for good to those who love God. But that doesn’t mean that we always experience joy or peace, or that the Christian never experiences moments of loneliness, sadness, and near despair. Psalm 88 is a comforting example of such experiences in the life of a believer—comforting, because it’s real. To portray the Christian life as always happy, never sad, never desperate, is to deceive people. The real Christian life includes the themes expressed in Psalm 88.

When you’re suffering, when it seems as if you have no friends, when the weight of your troubles seems unbearable, and the Lord appears deaf to your cries, turn to Psalm 88 and pray it. And let it remind you that the despondency you’re feeling is giving you just the smallest taste of what the Lord Jesus Himself was feeling most acutely from the evening of Maundy Thursday until the “It is finished!” of Good Friday. Because, though His words on Good Friday were few, Christ spoke of it ahead of time through the prophets, including the author of this Psalm.

Consider especially these verses: “Will You work wonders for the dead? Shall the dead arise and praise You? Shall Your lovingkindness be declared in the grave? Or Your faithfulness in the place of destruction? Shall Your wonders be known in the dark? And Your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness?” These seem to be rhetorical questions, to which the answer is, “No, You will not work wonders for the dead. They will not arise and praise You, nor will Your faithfulness be declared in hell. Therefore, O Lord, You must help me before I die!” But in the death and resurrection of Christ, and even in His descent into hell to declare the Lord’s faithfulness there, we see the beginning of a different answer: “No trouble, not even death, cannot separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Therefore, even in your darkest days, turn to the Lord in hope, and He will show you the ray of light you need to see. Let us pray: O Lord, You alone can help me. Preserve me in the darkness and show me again the light of life! Amen.