Today you should read: Numbers 5:1-10
In our section in Numbers today, we are looking at consequences for uncleanness and sin. Verses 1-4 talk about separating the unclean person with leprosy from the rest of the camp, partly as a protection of the disease spreading (which we can all relate to at least a little bit right now) but mainly because the person with leprosy was ceremonially unclean. (For a more exhaustive look at leprosy, check out this article). Basically, leprosy is a picture of our sinful condition.
Looking ahead to the New Testament, I love the fact that in the ministry of Jesus, he engaged those with leprosy like no one ever had. In fact, a disease that immediately made those who came in contact with it unclean, not only had no effect on Jesus, but the presence of Jesus healed the person of the disease and made them clean instead. This is the power of the gospel and the power of the redemption that we so desperately need.
Verses 5-10 then go on to talk about atoning for the sin of perjury. The interesting thing to consider is that in most translations of the New Testament, the word “atonement” is not used a single time. This is largely because in the death and resurrection of Christ our sin has been erased, and does not simply need to be covered. Jesus is the great substitute on our behalf, and it by his grace that we are saved and sanctified.
By: Graham Withers — Pastoral Ministry Associate
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