There is some really graphic stuff in that section of Scripture. Anyone who thinks Scripture is too abstract or not true to life should read that section; it's so honest that it makes you feel awkward.
But, today there is also one of my favorite passages in Leviticus:
14:3 ... If the priest finds that someone has been healed of a serious skin disease, 4 he will perform a purification ceremony, using two live birds that are ceremonially clean, a stick of cedar, some scarlet yarn, and a hyssop branch. 5 The priest will order that one bird be slaughtered over a clay pot filled with fresh water. 6 He will take the live bird, the cedar stick, the scarlet yarn, and the hyssop branch, and dip them into the blood of the bird that was slaughtered over the fresh water. 7 The priest will then sprinkle the blood of the dead bird seven times on the person being purified of the skin disease. When the priest has purified the person, he will release the live bird in the open field to fly away.
What a beautiful picture of redemption! In my mind, the bird that was sacrificed clearly represents Christ. The clay pot filled with fresh water could represent Christ's humanity and purity (or humanity and divinity). The cedar wood could represent the Cross at Calvary; the scarlet wool could represent His perfect love that bound Him to that Cross. The hyssop could symbolize Christ's humility (for hyssop is a common shrub), the events at the foot of the Cross (offering a wine-soaked sponge to Christ on the end of a hyssop branch, and the powerful aroma that Christ's Sacrifice was to appease a Holy God (hyssop is quite aromatic). And, of course, it is the application of His shed blood that does set us free!
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for Christ's atoning sacrifice that allows me to be set free. I pray that I will not take your love for granted, but Lord, please let me honor you. Please guide me, and may I keep in step with your Spirit. I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.
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