A home provides shelter and safety that all who live in it may rest well. However, Leviticus 14:33-57 tells us that God can bring a plague upon a home as chastisement to those living in the home because of unrepentant sins. When this happens, all who live in the home can no longer rest well. Hence, this is a spiritual exercise to allow sinful men to reflect on, and to repent of, their sins.

1. Discovery of Corruption (Lev 14:33-38)

When the home is compromised by the plague of leprosy, the householder must inform the priest. He must not hide or ignore it. Similarly, if the Lord chastise us of our sin, we must not ignore God’s chastisement. We must reflect and see what we had done wrong that resulted in God’s chastisement. This is a personal process where the individual reflects upon his relationship and spiritual walk with the Lord. The priest will examine the house thoroughly based on what God had prescribed before he makes a judgment. Any judgment made is critical and hence, must be conducted in a careful and wise manner that is according to God’s Word. He must know the source of the problem so that the correct judgment and remediation can be made.

2. Treatment of Corruption (Lev 14:39-47)

Once the plague is confirmed, the affected areas must be removed and replaced with clean ones. The priest will monitor the situation. If the problem persists, the entire house must be removed. If sinful man truly repents of his sin, God will forgive him. However, if he refuses to repent, greater chastisement will be upon him to make him realise his sins. The purpose of chastisement is not to destroy sinful man, but is an avenue for sinful man to confess his sin and to stop sinning. He can then repent and make amends for his sins so that his relationship with God will be restored. God’s chastening must not be ignored.

3. Restoration from Corruption (Lev 14:48-57)

Upon true repentance, God will remove the plague and restore the house. Sacrificial offerings must be made to God. The shedding of blood is required for sinful man to be restored to God. The blood of Jesus Christ has cleansed away all our sins and restored our relationship with God. We must therefore search our hearts and seek God’s help to reveal to us even our secret sins so that we may repent. In this way, our worship and service can be found acceptable by God.