Sin, Like Leprosy

The person afflicted with an infectious skin disease is to have his clothes torn and his hair hanging loose, and he must cover his mouth and cry out, "Unclean, unclean!'" He will remain unclean as long as he has the infection; he is unclean. He must live alone in a place outside the camp. - Leviticus 13:46

Leprosy was a horrific malady pervasive in the time of the Israelite exodus from Egypt. God's laws concerning the treatment of those who were so afflicted may seem inconsiderate, harsh, or even cruel, but they were intended to prevent an epidemic. As a picture of how we should see and approach sin, God's treatment of leprosy can also be quite instructive. For example:

• Sin, like leprosy, should grieve the bearer.

• Sin, like leprosy, should cause those of us in it to warn others of its destructive effect.

• Sin, like leprosy, should be separated from our lives in order that it might not spread its debilitating infection.

• Sin, like leprosy, can even scar us for life.

Ultimately, sin (like leprosy) can only be removed by the healing touch of an Almighty God through the Son, Christ Jesus.

God's wounds cure, sin's kisses kill. - William Gurnall