February 13, 2006 - Leviticus 14 and Matthew 26:51-75
Aren't you glad God is the God of cleansing and of second chances? Both of these passages affirm the nature of God in these areas. He desires for all of us to be right with Him and to have a continuing love relationship with Him. When we fail because we sin, He is ready to cleanse us and to restore that close relationship. I pray that you realize that God can cleanse you and forgive you, so you can be restored today.
In Leviticus 14 we read about the sacrifices that were offered after a leper was cleansed. I believe God wanted everyone to see that the person was cleansed, and He wanted the leper to rejoice in the cleansing, too. I especially like the fact that the blood and the oil was placed on their ears, toes, and thumbs. This was a reminder of their cleansing and the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Then, they could return to life as usual. I am sure there was abundant joy in this whole process. We all have to be cleansed in some way, and God wants to give us great joy in our cleansing.
In Matthew 26 Peter is the great example of a person who failed God, but he received a second chance. How could he have failed Jesus more than to deny Him three times? However, Jesus did not write him off. He kept loving him, and eventually, He restored him. Jesus does not write off lepers or believers who fail. He is waiting with open arms to restore us when we return to Him. I urge all of us to run to Him for forgiveness. It will be a joyful experience. Jesus wants us to live in great joy all the time.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Leviticus 15-16 and Matthew 27:1-26.
In Leviticus 14 we read about the sacrifices that were offered after a leper was cleansed. I believe God wanted everyone to see that the person was cleansed, and He wanted the leper to rejoice in the cleansing, too. I especially like the fact that the blood and the oil was placed on their ears, toes, and thumbs. This was a reminder of their cleansing and the power of the Holy Spirit in their lives. Then, they could return to life as usual. I am sure there was abundant joy in this whole process. We all have to be cleansed in some way, and God wants to give us great joy in our cleansing.
In Matthew 26 Peter is the great example of a person who failed God, but he received a second chance. How could he have failed Jesus more than to deny Him three times? However, Jesus did not write him off. He kept loving him, and eventually, He restored him. Jesus does not write off lepers or believers who fail. He is waiting with open arms to restore us when we return to Him. I urge all of us to run to Him for forgiveness. It will be a joyful experience. Jesus wants us to live in great joy all the time.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Leviticus 15-16 and Matthew 27:1-26.