May 27, 2021
He shall take the live bird with the cedarwood and the scarlet yarn and the hyssop, and dip them and the live bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the freshwater. And he shall sprinkle it seven times on him who is to be cleansed of the leprous disease. Then he shall pronounce him clean and shall let the living bird go into the open field. Leviticus 14:6-7 ESV
This excerpt from God’s instructions to Moses regarding the ceremonial cleansing of lepers points us to the Gospel. We too have been cleansed by the blood of a substitutional sacrifice in Christ. And like the leper who was sprinkled seven times as a sign of completion, we rest in the assuring words of Christ spoken from the cross: it is finished (John 19:30). Lastly, the cleansed bird is set free into the open field to do the work for which it was created. Likewise, through the blood of Christ, we have been set free from dead works to go into the open world and serve our living God (Hebrews 9:14).
Thank you, Father, that it is finished. We have been cleansed by the blood of your Son and set free of dead works to go and serve you. Help us to turn away from the temptation of works-righteousness and serve you with gladness and singleness of heart. Amen.
Rev. Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A. Counseling
Leave a Reply