Dealing with the Discharges of Life
Even the gentlest cleansing leaves no stain behind.
Ray Stedman turns our attention today to a passage in Leviticus that might seem obscure or ceremonial at first glance—rules about bodily discharges and cleansing rituals. But under the surface, there's a rich and grace-filled reminder that God never leaves the defiled without a path to restoration. Even in the smallest imperfections—those not as visible or dramatic as leprosy—God provides a gentle yet uncompromising way back into fellowship.
The use of the simplest sacrifices (two pigeons or doves) reveals something tender: God meets us where we are, requiring no grand gesture, but never overlooking the need for a substitute. Every defilement, whether a thought, tone, or momentary lapse, must be acknowledged—not because He withdraws from us, but because our awareness of fellowship is dimmed. It’s not His love that is held back, but our enjoyment of it.
The path back is through water and blood. The water is God’s Word—alive, cleansing, corrective, reminding us of truth. The blood is the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus, making way for intimate communion with the Father, unhindered and free. Too often we accept God’s forgiveness, but refuse to forgive ourselves. We beat ourselves up in private while God declares, “You are clean.” Stedman reminds us that once we believe the Word about our cleansing, we can stop striving, stop wallowing, and rest in what’s already ours: cleansing, restoration, and joy.
Personalized Journal Entry: In the Voice of the Holy Spirit
I remind you that you have already been washed. The Word that I have spoken to you has made you clean. Yet when the day’s residue clings to your heart—an unguarded word, a harsh response, an anxious turn of thought—come and let Me bring you back to remembrance.
I am not startled by the discharges of the flesh. I do not recoil when you stumble. Instead, I draw you close with compassion. Your moments of fleshly reaction are not the breaking of our union, but a temporary shadow upon your fellowship. When you retreat into self, it is evening to your soul, not to Me.
But here I am. I whisper My Word again, not as a scold, but as a river washing over your conscience. I speak not only forgiveness but cleansing. You are already loved. Already accepted. But I restore your joy. I lift your eyes back to where you are seated—beside the Father, in Me, clothed in righteousness not your own.
Believe Me again. Not just that you are forgiven, but that you are free. The momentary lapse is not your identity. I am your Life. I am your purity. I am your wholeness. You need not linger in shame. I bring you into the light, and in My light, you walk again.
Let My Word cleanse your memory and My blood cleanse your conscience. Come out from the shadows. You are Mine, and I call you clean.
(John 15:3; Hebrews 10:22; Ephesians 5:26; 1 John 1:7; Romans 8:1; Colossians 3:1-4)
Prayer of Trust
Lord Jesus, You have made me clean, and I will not argue with Your declaration. When old patterns try to whisper that I am still defiled, I rest instead in what You’ve already done. I receive Your Word as water over my conscience, and I rejoice that Your blood speaks a better word than shame ever could.
You’ve already provided all that was needed, and I trust You in this moment to keep me abiding, not by effort, but by grace. My union with You is unshaken. My communion with You is restored by truth. And I walk forward—not as one condemned, but as one carried by Your indwelling life. Thank You for joyfully reminding me who I am in You.
Devotional Credit: Based on Daily Devotions in Leviticus by Ray C. Stedman
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