Leviticus 13 A SERIOUS PROBLEM In a fairly closed society where people live close together, infectious disease had the potential of infecting a great many people. In order to stop the spread of contagious illness, God included in His instructions for the welfare of the children of Israel, a way to control such a situation when it arose. The leprosy written about in the scripture, probably included a variety of diseases that would include Hansen's disease, but by definition was far more inclusive than what is known today as leprosy. In the instructions given, there was obviously skin diseases described as well as mildew and molds on articles of clothing. By illustration, sin has an effect on every part of a person and also on what one does. When one allows sin a place in the mind, even though it may not be known or there be any evidence at first, it has the power to take away the peace of soul, besides our fellowship with God. The song in the heart goes silent. The joy in the soul that lifts our spirits and steps, and encourages us to greet each new day with anticipation, is lost. The effect of sin in one's life has serious, negative effects on our body, soul and spirit.
The mind that was "stayed on Christ" loses its direction when sin is allowed to infect us. Thought-life begins to claim control and the "perfect peace" God intends for us is gone. The will, that part of one's soul that makes the decisions we live by and keeps us in the path of God's will, when sin is allowed in the mind, loses its guidelines that keeps us in fellowship with God. Confusion and uncertainty claim our attention and instead of the assurance that the Word of God gives us, our decision-making depends on spur-of-the- moment choices that may be entirely contrary to the will of God. Sin allowed in the mind, soon affects the will and then takes control of our emotions. Instead of peace, there comes uncertainty. Instead of Joy there comes sorrow. Instead of love there comes suspicion and antagonism. What had been an effective, fruitful and satisfying life, becomes a sad, isolating experience.
Sin does not only affect me and my life, but others also are affected. It is not only destructive to my life, but it leads to division, separation and unhappiness. The priests in Israel served as doctors in diagnosing disease when something obvious rose on a person's flesh. It was his responsibility to preserve the rest of the children of Israel from what was a problem to one person and could affect them all. Decisions regarding the problem were not made in a careless way. The lives of the leper, his family and other people were involved. Snap judgments and quick decisions are not the way to deal with serious problems. When we know something has entered our life that has serious consequences associated with it, we are wise to stop and consider every aspect of the matter. How will it affect me? What will it do to my family? Will the Lord's people be blessed or hindered by this decision I am making? Most of all how will it affect my fellowship with the Lord? Will it hinder the work God has given me?
The misery of the leper and the loneliness of his existence would be such that everyone would fear the diagnosis of the priest. It would be important to the priest to carefully follow the instructions God gave, lest the whole camp be infected. On one occasion Miriam was outside the camp for a whole week because of leprosy. In her case it was because of unfair criticism of God's servant Moses. Gehazi, the servant of the prophet, made a covetous decision that affected his whole family afterward for generations that followed. A wrong move for selfish gain, a covetous decision based on materialism, an opinion regarding one's idea about a verse of scripture can affect a whole lot of people in a wrong way.
The type of sin leprosy teaches us about, is a good warning to us regarding each daily decision we make. Something may not seem serious to us at first, and then after due consideration, we realize the potential for evil a bad choice can be. When confronted with the right or wrong of a matter, take time to review it carefully. What good will come from this? What sin may be the result of this decision? How will it effect me personally? What might happen to my family if I do this? Will the Lord's people be helped or hindered it I go there? Can I ask God's blessing on this activity? Would I be willing to take the Lord Jesus there and have Him share in this activity? Such questions when asked by a person who is a child of God can keep us from serious problems in out lives. The effect is not only on people, but it has an effect on where I live, what kind of work I do, the clothes I wear and the places I go. The way I approach God and the fellowship I have with Him is affected by my choices.