A few rambling thoughts about isolation…
- I assume most reading this know I tested positive for COVID last week.
- So, I write this morning from isolation.
- We have a small room in the back of our house that has enough room for a portable bed.
- I am sure at some point in the future I will write a bit more about the experience, but for today I wanted to share an insight from God’s Word.
- I usually read through the Bible throughout the year. I do this for discipline and to keep the voice of God through his Word central in my thoughts and day to day experience.
- So this week it just so happens I find myself in Leviticus.
- For the average Bible reader, Leviticus doesn’t bring widespread cheers or stir much excitement.
- Instead, readers often associate Leviticus with boredom and a bunch of laws they don’t understand.
- So what has spoken to me over the past week?
- In Leviticus, you read how certain physical events or illnesses required someone live separate from the rest of the people for a time.
- Well…here I am…living separate from people for a time.
- I can’t say I’ve ever read through the various procedures and really considered the reality of a seven day (or more) separation.
- Those outside the camp were not thought to be in a desirable position.
- I definitely feel that today.
- The hope? In Leviticus you could hope to get well and go back inside the community. If you didn’t, then no such luck.
- Since Jesus has fulfilled the law, we no longer must follow such stringent community living guidelines. However, Jesus’ ministry regularly brought Him into contact with those on the fringe of society – the sick, the demon possessed, the poor, the oppressed.
- Our hope as believers sees Jesus leave the city and go away from normal customs and places to meet our greatest needs for forgiveness and a relationship with God. There He died, suffering and mostly alone, to solve our biggest problems and give us the offer of a right relationship with God.
- So, struggling and alone wading through the many inconveniences of COVID-19, I will trust God to meet me in such a place.
- His timing. His healing. His plans. His purposes.