How can we apply Leviticus 14:49's principles of cleansing in our spiritual lives? The Old Testament Picture “ ‘To purify the house, he is to take two birds, cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop.’ ” (Leviticus 14:49) Seeing the Symbols - Two birds – one released, one sacrificed (Leviticus 14:50-53) • Picture of death and resurrection (cf. Romans 6:4-5). - Cedar wood – durable, incorruptible timber • Points to the enduring purity Christ gives (1 Peter 1:23). - Scarlet yarn – thread of blood, redemption, royalty • Reminds us “without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). - Hyssop – common plant used to sprinkle blood (Exodus 12:22) • Echoed in David’s plea, “Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean” (Psalm 51:7). Christ: Our Complete Cleansing - Hebrews 9:13-14 shows animal blood foreshadowed the blood of Christ that “purifies our conscience from dead works.” - John 1:29 calls Jesus “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” - By faith we receive a cleansing that reaches deeper than any outward ritual (1 John 1:7). Living Out the Cleansing Daily • Confess quickly – 1 John 1:9 promises forgiveness and purification when we confess. • Renew the mind – Romans 12:2 urges continual transformation, washing away worldly mold. • Walk in the light – 1 John 1:7: “If we walk in the light… the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” • Practice repentance as lifestyle – Acts 3:19 links repentance with “times of refreshing” from the Lord. Guarding the House of Our Hearts - Inspect regularly like the priest examined the house (Leviticus 14:36, 38). - Remove sources of contamination—media, attitudes, relationships—that breed spiritual mildew. - Replace decay with truth: meditate on Scripture, worship, fellowship (Colossians 3:16). Celebrating a Cleansed Life - Freedom: like the living bird released (Leviticus 14:53), we are free from bondage. - Testimony: let others see a heart scrubbed clean by Christ (Matthew 5:16). - Gratitude: rejoice that “though your sins are scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18). |
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