Ponderings on Uncleanness vs. Sin

 These are thoughts from my devotions this morning, not so much conclusions as meditations. Tell me what you think: I may have stretched the passage too far, but then again, it may be just right... (If you really want to "get" this and if you have time, read Lev. 11-15, otherwise, you may not recall some of the allusions.)

Leviticus 11-15

 Ponderings on explanation: The difference between being unclean and being in sin is interesting. Uncleanness could come through nature and natural causes (e.g. burying someone) or even through obedience (having children, as God commanded); whereas sin always came through a contravention of God's law. A sin offering was offered for either uncleanness or sin to remove the defilement and to bring purity. It is interesting that the results of uncleanness often lasted longer than those of sin. Why and how does this apply to me? How is this Scripture profitable to me?

 Ponderings on application: it seems that in daily life defilement will occur; it is inevitable. We live in the world, and it touches us. This touch does not mean we have sinned, rather it means we must seek the cleansing of the Word. To not be cleansed would be sin, but the pollution is not of our making, but of the world's. To fulfill the call of God, we may have to descend into the depths where depravity is manifested abundantly, but we must be renewed day by day. People speak of "feeling dirty" after being in the world (especially in work settings); they feel the defilement touching them. The answer is not to ignore it! Rather, we must be renewed each day in righteousness and godliness by the Spirit.