February 5, 2026 - Leviticus 13-16

The Lord gave to Israel laws about how to deal with leprosy and about other hygienic matters including the cleaning of houses.  About leprosy, I have seen the scourge of leprosy up close in leper colonies in India.  Paul has been there with me, and we have held those people in our arms and spoken to them about Jesus and sung to them (Leprosy pretty much requires close, consistent contact over several months.).  It’s a terrible disease.  It’s part of this fallen world in which we live.  I can’t help but remember the story of the ten lepers whom Jesus healed.  Only one of them “turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan” (Luke 17:15-16).  Only one!  David cried, “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless his holy name!  Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits, who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases” (Psalm 103:1-3).  David was thankful for physical healing but, unlike many who merely desire physical blessings and healings from God, he included in all God’s benefits the forgiveness of sin and iniquity because that is the greatest blessing of all.  How did Jesus caution?  “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.  Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28).  We have a God who gives us temporal blessings but also gives us the greatest blessing of all, the forgiveness of sin and eternal life.

O for a thousand tongues to sing

my great Redeemer’s praise,

the glories of my God and King,

the triumphs of his grace!

Jesus! the name that charms our fears,

that bids our sorrows cease,

‘tis music in the sinner’s ears,

‘tis life and health and peace.

He breaks the power of cancelled sin,

he sets the prisoner free;

his blood can make the foulest clean;

his blood availed for me.   -- Charles Wesley (1739)