This regulation may seem strange, yet there is wisdom in it. When a disease spreads across the body, it shows that the underlying constitution is still sound. Let’s consider what this rule symbolizes. We, too, are sinners and can see ourselves in this law. When someone acknowledges they're completely lost in sin, with nothing untouched by its stain, they plead guilty before the Lord. At that moment, they're cleansed by Jesus' blood and God's grace. Hidden sin is true leprosy, but when sin is recognized, it's on its way out. God looks mercifully upon a repentant soul.

Nothing is deadlier than self-righteousness or more promising than genuine remorse. We must admit we're nothing but sin, as anything less isn't the full truth. When the Holy Spirit convicts us, admitting this comes naturally. What comfort this text offers to awakened hearts. What seemed discouraging becomes a sign of hope. Being stripped comes before being clothed, and recognizing our sin is the start of grace in our hearts. Take heart, sinner, and come to Jesus as you are.

"For let our debts be what they may, however great or small, as soon as we’ve nothing to pay, our Lord forgives us all. It's perfect poverty alone that sets the soul free. As long as we rely on anything of our own, we're not truly discharged."