Today’s reading

Leviticus 14; Matthew 26:55-75

Selected Verses

This is the law for any case of leprous disease: for an itch, for leprous disease in a garment or in a house, and for a swelling or an eruption or a spot, to show when it is unclean and when it is clean. This is the law for leprous disease. Leviticus 14:54-57

Then he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know the man.” And immediately the rooster crowed. And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly. Matthew 26:74-75

Reflections

Sin, disease, and death permeate everything in the world from human beings to houses and clothing.

One of the saddest stories in the entire Bible is the story of Peter’s denial. Over-confident Peter had declared his allegiance to Jesus Christ only a few hours earlier. Now in the courtyard of the high priest we find him calling down curses on himself, swearing to his own destruction that he does not even know Him. What corruption lies in the human heart! This is a deplorable action but one of which I could also be guilty.

In the reading in Leviticus we learn that disease can infest a home endangering the inhabitants. The priest had detailed instructions about how to diagnose the severity of the problem. In some happy cases cleansing was successful, an offering was made, and the property could be re-inhabited. This was not always the case; sometimes nothing short of demolition of the property would suffice. Again, we see the pervasive effects of the fall which brought disease and death.

Think about it

No self-help book can fix the human condition. Ten easy steps will not lead to the perfection of character. Only at the cross of Christ can we find deliverance, forgiveness, and cleansing. That is where our sins were paid for at the cost of the only sinless man’s life. Peter needed that cross. So do we.

Jesus proclaimed the arrival of the kingdom of heaven where sin is eradicated and all suffering and disease is banished forever. Lord, may your kingdom come soon in all its fullness.

I am ready for it. Are you?

© 2017 John A Carroll Used by permission