God Speaks
God’s Rules Regarding Health Issues: Clean/unclean Foods, Childbirth, Skin Diseases
Verse of the Day: [Just as a manufacturer provides an instruction manual, so the LORD God has provided the Bible. He knows what is best for all He has created.] “I am the LORD your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. Do not make yourselves unclean by . . . I am the LORD, who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.” (Leviticus 11: 44-45 NIV 2011)
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We Respond
Reflection: Consider the following questions regarding Leviticus 11-13:
1. What does this chapter tell me about God?
2. What does this chapter tell me about the human beings He created?
Here is one possible answer to each of these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are any others for you personally to ponder.
Leviticus 11
1. God had good reasons to designate various creatures on the earth (fish, fowl, domestic or wild animals, or insects) unacceptable for human consumption. After all, He made both them and us.
2. People should follow God’s commands even if we don’t understand. We should do this out of love and deep respect.
Leviticus 12
1. God values women and their special role of carrying life; He has laid out regulations to protect their health. Those presented here refer to menstruation and after childbirth.
2. People are to follow God’s instructions for their own good.
Leviticus 13
1. God, who created everything, is the one who can determine if skin conditions or mildew are clean (healthy) or unclean (unhealthy).
2. People are to seek out knowledgeable people (In biblical times, it was the priests; today, it is medical professionals.) to determine if a questionable situation is clean (healthy) or unclean (unhealthy).
Prayer:
3. How might I pray regarding Leviticus 11-13?
Dear Father God, thank You for this marvelous body You have given me. Please help me to follow Your instructions to keep it healthy and strong. This includes what I eat or don’t eat, what I wear or don’t wear, what I touch or don’t touch, or how I care for my house or living quarters. After all, You are the One who made me, the world, and the whole universe. May I use my body and possessions wisely for Your kingdom and glory. AMEN
Action: (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
4. What action does the LORD want me to take in response to Leviticus 11-13? With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
- I will ask the LORD if He wants me personally to follow these food restrictions, then do what He says.
- I will dialogue (in my mind) with God about what He wants me to eat or not eat before I cook or eat anything.
- I will thank God for how He made women’s bodies, especially to carry life.
- I will make regular doctor’s appointments and do what I can to be healthy (clean).
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