DId God Really Say…

February 26, 2024

Read Leviticus 13, Psalm 57, Hebrews 13

Warning: You better not ready Leviticus 13 after you just ate! Skin rashes, sores with white hairs, and raw flesh with swelling are just some of the things you will read about in that important chapter. One of the takeaways from this chapter is that God had a plan to control and treat infectious diseases. The Israelites were to quarantine for a period of time and then have a “checkup” with the priest before they were declared clean again. You might be wondering why did God tell them to see a priest and not a doctor? “When anyone has an infectious skin disease, he must be brought to the priest” v. 6. At this time in history there were no doctors like we have today. Most of the educated people were the priests and their general knowledge was good for examining the needs of the people.

Hebrews 13 is the conclusion of the book of Hebrews. Even though we do not know who wrote the book, we do know that the author had some kind of connection with Timothy because he is mentioned at the end. “I want you to know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he arrives soon, I will come with him to see you. ²⁴ Greet all your leaders and all God’s people. Those from Italy send you their greetings. ²⁵ Grace be with you all” vv. 23-25. The final remarks are aimed at the church and how they should live out their faith. Verse 2 discusses the important topic of hospitality. The author seems to imply that the angel may “test us” from time to time to see how we treat others. “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it” v. 2.

The author encourages the readers to remain sexually pure, keep the marriage bed sacred, and to not be carried away by strange teachings. Before the author closes the letter out, he circles back once more to Jesus as the High Priest who has paved the way for us all.  The comparison of the burned offering being taken outside the city is compared Jesus who was crucified also outside the city of Jerusalem. He adds, “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name” v. 15.

What else do you see in these chapters? What words, phrases, or themes stand out to you?
Add your thoughts below.