The rules – laws – on bodily discharges.

Water must have been scarce, and water for bathing and for laundry must have been a luxury in the Old Testament. Something I easily take for granted. Also, women have to go to the temple to sacrifice at least once a month – that must have been expensive.

The lesson for me here I think is, not all things that causes us to be unclean are deliberate. Some things are just part of our human nature, something we cannot help. For those things, we still need cleansing to be able to approach God.

First I was “ouch”, then I was “hey that’s harsh”, and then I was like, “oh so that’s why”.

The psalmist speaks honestly and without restraint. His love and goodness were repaid with hatred and evil. He calls out to God in prayer as his response, not taking matters in his own hands. It seems that his requests are harsh, but what he is really asking for is justice. Deep inside we all ask God for that. Especially when we encounter oppression, greed, haughtiness, and all sorts of evil. You know what? God will deliver. In His time and way and perfect wisdom, he will judge all of humanity – including you and me. When He does, who can stand? No one. No one apart from the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Only through Jesus can we be righteous before God. Thank you Lord. You are powerful and mighty, and your love and grace are great. Thank you.

People you are kind to (even love) may sometimes misinterpret or be cynical with your kindness. The reason could be because they may have had bad experiences in the past, of people who pretended to care but actually took advantage of them. Do not hold this against them. Let your actions and attitude (of patience and perseverance in love) be your proof.

Be a dispenser of grace, not judgement, just as how God is with you. Just as you help people grow in faith, help them also to be restored in times of weaknesses. Just as how God is with you. Rejoice, and aim for restoration.

Eventually, after all the disobedience, sin, struggles, trials & suffering – when we realize that we are powerless and God alone is powerful – we will look to our God, our Maker, and He will make Himself known to us.

We can labor and put so much effort in our work, yet we still cannot control the harvest. Techniques and technology are improving, but in the end, it is God who can control the outcome, according to his will. His good, perfect, and pleasing will.

The Lord is so powerful. He can raise nations, and, in a sweep of his hand, can remove them as well. Many times, my image of God is so small. God is so more powerful!

If there seems to be an unclean part of your ‘house’, and God has confirmed it to you, remove it immediately before it spreads.