Feb. 12, 2021
God instructs His priests about handling skin diseases, mildew, and bodily fluids. These rules served as a health code for the people of Israel while in the wilderness.
At the time of the Exodus, people didn’t know how to identify and treat many diseases. They wouldn’t have seen mildew as a health threat or understood the importance of quarantine. They knew that when people followed God’s law, they were healthier.
God’s attention to detail shows the depth of His care. He goes to great lengths to explain how to handle every kind of skin condition so all could be healed (Leviticus 13:1-46). He provides several ways to make an offering so everyone could come to Him (Leviticus 14:21-22).
The Lord gives instructions for what happens behind closed doors. He reminds His people that the nation’s health starts at home (Leviticus 15).
Jesus shares a last meal with His close friends, creating a lasting tradition for the church. After dinner, Jesus finds a quiet spot in the Garden of Gethsemane to pray and asks God if there could be another way.
Like the ancient Israelites, Jesus knew that what God asked of Him might not make sense to others. But He was willing to obey because He trusted the One giving the instruction.
Though He experienced crushing sorrow as He faced the cross, Jesus yields to the will of the Father by connecting to Him through prayer.
“My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will” - Matthew 26:39
Make It Personal
- Has God ever told you to do something that didn’t make sense to you? How did you respond?
- What can you learn from Jesus’ response to God’s plan?
- Where might you need to let go of the need to know “why”?