Isolation Station.

"As for the diseased person who has the infection, his clothes must be torn, the hair of his head must be unbound, he must cover his mustache, and he must call out 'Unclean! Unclean!' The whole time he has the infection he will be continually unclean. He must live in isolation, and his place of residence must be outside the camp." (Leviticus 13:45-46, NET Bible)

In this past Sunday's sermon, Pastor Andy suggested to us that we read Leviticus 13 and Leviticus 14 for information on the way diseases were diagnosed and treated in the communities of ancient Israel. Our pastor noted, in particular, that lepers were required to make public announcement of their sickness. Because skin diseases were highly contagious, the community's response to an announcement of "Unclean!" was to stay far away from the sick person.

Our pastor shared with us that in today's church culture, we see a type of modern-day leper. Some in our community are carriers of spiritual disease: but, rather than coming close to experience the grace of Christ's Spirit, they instead remain far off. The convoluted message? "I'm sick. I need someone to help me. I'm here in this faith community. But I don't want anyone to come near me. Stay far away."

Oh, how we need a recognition of the power of our great God, who calls us to draw near for healing. In the New Testament, we see the account of a leper who understood the power of God at work in the person of Jesus Christ. That leper chose to draw near to Jesus, and experienced healing. Over this week we will take time to reflect on this amazing story of compassion and care.

"While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came to Him who was covered with leprosy." (Luke 5:12a) Guess what? Jesus is in your town. Will you come to Him?

Lord Jesus, where else can we go? When we are well, we will celebrate in Your community. When we are sick, we will cry out in Your community. You have made us to be the church: we are Your body, custodians of Your gifts and graces. Give us Your compassion so that we might become authentic agents of healing, to the glory of Your name. Amen.