How does Leviticus 14:28 illustrate the importance of anointing in spiritual cleansing? Setting the Scene—Leviticus 14:28 “The priest shall also apply some of the oil remaining in his palm to the lobe of the right ear of the one being cleansed, to the thumb of his right hand, and to the big toe of his right foot, on the same places as the blood of the guilt offering.” Blood First, Oil Second • The blood of the guilt offering covers sin; the oil follows to consecrate. • Cleansing is never mere removal of defilement; it is followed by positive dedication to God. • The sequence previews the gospel: Christ’s blood justifies (Romans 5:9), and the Spirit anoints and sanctifies (1 John 2:20). Why anointing matters in spiritual cleansing • Anointing signals the presence and power of the Holy Spirit (1 Samuel 16:13). • It transforms a formerly unclean person into one set apart for service (1 Peter 2:9). • Without anointing, cleansing would leave a spiritual vacuum; with it, the cleansed life becomes God-filled (Matthew 12:43-45 warns of the alternative). Symbolic Touch-Points 1. Ear lobe – Purified hearing to obey God’s voice (Isaiah 30:21). 2. Right thumb – Consecrated work; hands now serve righteousness (Romans 6:13). 3. Right big toe – Directed walk; daily conduct aligned with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25). Foreshadowing Christ and Pentecost • Jesus touches and heals lepers directly, combining cleansing and anointing in Himself (Matthew 8:3). • At Pentecost, the Spirit is “poured out” on believers, completing the pattern (Acts 2:1-4). • God “establishes us with you in Christ and anointed us” (2 Corinthians 1:21), fulfilling the Levitical type. Practical Takeaways • Receive both cleansing and empowering—confess sin and ask for fresh filling of the Spirit (1 John 1:9; Ephesians 5:18). • Guard what you hear, how you serve, and where you walk; each area has been anointed. • Remember that God’s goal is not merely to forgive but to inhabit and use His people for His glory. |
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