March 8, 2022 - Leviticus 11-13

It was like any other day on Friday, January 7th, until the end of the evening. Suddenly, life as I knew it drastically changed for me. That night after a Bible study, I recognized that I was a sinner and needed Jesus as my Savior. I soon realized the Lord would alter my life so my conduct would imitate Christ.

The naming of animals that were clean and unclean was an important part of helping the children of Israel recognize they were distinct from their neighbors and surrounding nations (11:1-30). Possibly, it was to protect and assist the people of Israel as they wandered in the wilderness but also to govern ritual purity in worship to God.

Israel was to be a nation of purity and uniqueness when it came to food and hygiene. This distinction allowed them to be a people capable of worshipping God and having His presence in their camp. The cleansing and purification applied to the body as well as touching, eating and removal of deceased animals from their camp.

God yearned for the people of Israel to be pure and holy for Him. The variety of skin diseases were continually a concern for the tribes during their journey. Disease and contamination could become a major issue when the people were tightly congested in the areas around the tabernacle. To avoid a major plague, the Lord gave explicit orders for Moses and the priests to follow concerning infected areas of the body.

Today the issue of clean and unclean animals is far different with Christ having declared all food clean (Mark 7:19; Acts 10:10-16). With the death of Christ and the dwelling of the Holy Spirit, believers are to be identifiable and holy in their conduct and appearance. Paul states, "Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God" (2 Corinthians 7:1). Let us all strive for holiness and purity in our lives.