Unclean!

Leviticus 13:1-8

Leprosy, a name applied to several different diseases, was greatly feared in Bible times. Some of these diseases, unlike the disease we call leprosy or Hansen’s disease today, were highly contagious. The worst of them slowly ruined the body, and in most cases, were fatal. Lepers were separated from family and friends, and confined outside the camp. Since priests were responsible for the health of the camp, it was their duty to expel and readmit lepers. If someone’s leprosy appeared to go away, only the priest could decide if he was truly cured. Leprosy is often used in Bible times as an illustration of sin, because sin is contagious and destructive, and leads to separation.

(Life Application Study Bible pg. 198)

Favor For The Dreamer

Genesis 37:29-36

One of the most challenging, yet rewarding jobs many people will experience in life is, parenting. While raising children (especially in this time) should be taken seriously, and with the proper precautions, one of the most unwise things to do is, show favor to one child, over all the others. Favoritism is good when it involves things like selecting foods you prefer, or the color you want to paint your house, but when dad and mom show more love for Cinnamon, while treating Nutmeg and Cashew like the neighbor’s kids, then those seeds will eventually come back to haunt them.

A great example of this can be found early in Scripture, in the lives of Jacob, and his sons. The average Bible reader should have already been exposed to this inspiring story, but if you haven’t, then you can read it in less than an hour (Genesis chapters 37-45). The text reveals, “Jacob (Israel) loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age” (vs. 3a). Some history records that Jacob was over 90 years old when Joseph was born, and after the death of Rachel, little Joseph became his father’s special helper in being the agent between him and his brothers.

Unfortunately, the other brothers strongly disliked the relationship between their father, and little Joseph. Usually, when a mob of angry people have ill feelings toward someone, they tend to devise a plan to destroy their credibility. This was precisely the case with Jacobs sons. When Jacob had sent Joseph to check on his brothers one day (who were supposed to be feeding the flock in Shechem, but took a stroll to Dothan), they saw him from afar, and instantly plotted to slay him. Aside from labeling him, the dreamer, the brothers decided they’d kill him, then throw him in a pit. If it had not been for Reuben, who convinced the others to spare Joseph’s life, and only throw him in a pit, the little dreamer would have left the earth without fulfilling his promised assignment.

It’s amazing how people can hate you for things you had nothing to do with. Some people were blessed with gifts, talents, and abilities, that others dream to have, but rather than appreciate their gifts, they plot to hinder them from exercising them. Never allow jealousy, hatred, envy, nor strife to invade your mind, simply because God shows someone favor. Whether it be a brother, sister, friend, or even someone you aren’t too fond of, value, appreciate, and respect those who God uses in great ways.

Jacob suffered heartache for years, thinking that his son had been killed, but in the end, the love he had for Joseph was restored. Parents, be careful how you treat your children, because one day they’ll grow up, and act upon all you said and done to, and for them. Also, be certain to raise all of them in the fear of God, and teach them the value of love and respect for others.

Why does the living man complain?

Ell

Unfaithful Friends

Job 19:1-7

In the midst of multiple horrendous and heartbreaking attacks from satan, the faithful Job was totally unaware of the initial conversation between God and the devil, that led to the unbearable events the Lord’s faithful servant was unwillingly forced to endure. The devil wanted to prove to God, that if He were to remove the hedge of protection from around Job, he would certainly turn against Him. By now, many should know how this amazing story eventually turned out, but if not, feel free to read the entire book of Job, for more in- depth understanding.

During his suffering, Job’s grief was amplified, when his homies felt the need to “vex his soul”. While it was one thing trying to understand losing literally everything, including his children, and his wife’s sanity, Job was troubled the more, listening to his friends constantly try to convince him that he was wicked, and his troubles were of his own doing.

One of the most powerful virtues of God’s Spirit is, discernment (the ability to see, perceive, and distinguish the meaning of things, even without complete understanding). Apparently, Job’s friends lacked this virtue, because had they been in tune to God’s plan, rather than scold and ridicule the humble servant, they would have offered words of comfort and encouragement instead. Imagine watching your whole life fall apart in literal seconds, then having to hear that everything was your fault, from those who you considered your closest friends.

Many in situations as this one, tend to isolate themselves, for fear of being hurt the more, even when being approached by those with good intentions. Job could not understand why his friends were breaking him in pieces with their words, but he should have been more concerned with the fact that he had not sinned, nor did anything to cause his pain, and shame. As humans, we often forget the obvious, when life dumps loads of weight on our shoulders. Those things that should be easy to understand, become hard, and cause us to stress, and lose focus.

There will be experiences in our lives, where God will allow the enemy to come against us; not to defeat us or keep us bound, but to reveal how focused our faith is in God. Job’s encounters were so severe, until he almost gave in to the pressure, but in the end, he endured, and God blessed him with more in the end, than he had before his suffering. Blessings are given by default, to those who are in God, but to those who endure intense trials and attacks from the devil, God will reward you with intense blessings in the end.

Walk in love,

Ell