That Dreaded Disease!

Leviticus 13:24 “Or, when the body has a burn on its skin and the raw flesh of the burn becomes a spot, reddish-white or white, 25 the priest shall examine it, and if the hair in the spot has turned white and it appears deeper than the skin, then it is a leprous disease. It has broken out in the burn, and the priest shall pronounce him unclean; it is a case of leprous disease. 26 But if the priest examines it and there is no white hair in the spot and it is no deeper than the skin, but has faded, the priest shall shut him up seven days, 27 and the priest shall examine him the seventh day. If it is spreading in the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean; it is a case of leprous disease. 28 But if the spot remains in one place and does not spread in the skin, but has faded, it is a swelling from the burn, and the priest shall pronounce him clean, for it is the scar of the burn.

The concern for the protection of the population here was obvious.  There was also a picture of the holiness God expected of His people.  At times quarantine was necessary to protect others from infection. But this was viewed to be rather rare and temporary.  There was no spiritual judgment of the individual or sense of superiority. After all, the priest had to have contact for inspection to take place. Instead, we find in Jesus' day some who had such infections were shunned, scorned, and judged. People had lost their sense of compassion and hope for healing. How often do we find ourselves pointing and saying (or at least thinking) "Unclean!" May we have more of Christ's compassion.