Dealing with the Leprosy of Life
His hands do not recoil from what others avoid—they restore what we’re afraid to expose.
Ray Stedman’s reflection on Leviticus 13 unveils how ancient instructions regarding leprosy serve as a spiritual analogy for identifying and dealing with inner maladies of the soul—resentments, anger, and buried bitterness. In the Old Testament, the afflicted person was brought to a priest for careful examination. This wasn’t only for the sake of personal healing but also for the preservation of the community. In the New Covenant, we are all part of a royal priesthood, and we are called to bring our inner afflictions into the light of God’s Word and the fellowship of trusted believers.
Stedman emphasizes the subtlety of spiritual "leprosy"—the sin and hurt that festers under the surface, unrecognized and unchecked. He beautifully draws from 1 John 1:9 to remind us that our confession isn't for the sake of shame, but for restoration and cleansing. God invites us into the freedom of walking in the light—exposing our hidden infections not for judgment, but for purification.
The heart of this message is not condemnation but release. To bring our spiritual wounds before the One who not only sees clearly but heals completely.
Personal Journal — In the Voice of the Holy Spirit
I see what you cannot see. And I dwell where no one else can enter—deep in the recesses of your soul, where your wounds and worries nestle in silence. I do not flinch at what I find. I have already laid down My life to make you whole.
When your reactions flare without warning, when your moods shift like shadows at dusk, I am not alarmed. I call you into My light, not for shame but for healing. Let Me touch the parts you've tried to reason away, cover up, or simply ignore. The infection of bitterness has no power when exposed to My truth.
You are no longer one who must hide. You are light in Me because I have made you light. I lead you into truth gently, not to accuse but to restore. Your old wounds—jealousy, offense, irritation—no longer define you. Though the scars may remain, they are the evidence of My healing, not of your failure.
I have made you clean. Walk with Me today in that cleansing. Let My Word be the mirror in which you see clearly—not only what remains to be removed, but who you already are in Me: holy, blameless, beloved.
When another’s eyes catch what you miss, receive it with grace—I speak through My body, too. You are not meant to diagnose your heart alone. That’s why I have placed you in My family of priests. And together, as My Spirit leads, you are built up, made whole, and increasingly conformed to the likeness of Christ.
Let every confession be a homecoming. Let every exposure be an invitation to freedom. I do not dwell on the decay. I focus on the life I’ve placed within you.
Scriptures woven in: Leviticus 13:9; 1 John 1:9; John 8:12; 1 Peter 2:9; Colossians 3:12-15; Romans 8:29; Ephesians 5:8-10
Prayer of Trust
Father, I rest in the reality that I am already made clean by the word Christ has spoken over me. Thank You for faithfully revealing whatever still agitates my soul—not to shame me, but to lead me into greater intimacy with You. I don’t run from Your light; I walk in it. And when something comes to the surface, I trust Your Spirit to show me what’s already been dealt with at the cross. I rejoice that I am not defined by old patterns but by Your life in me.
Thank You for the gift of being part of a Body where correction is not rejection, and where truth is always wrapped in grace. I choose to walk as one who is clean, even when You reveal areas where Your loving work continues. You do not expose to wound, but to free. You never leave a scar without a story of healing.
So I walk forward with joy, in full assurance that You live in me, and that Your cleansing is complete.
Devotional Source: Ray Stedman, “Dealing with the Leprosy of Life” (April 15th)
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