A PLACE WHERE LEPROSY IS EXPOSED

Moses truly was a man touched by God, supernaturally called and full of revelation about who God was. He was humble, pious, and burdened for the honor of God. He was permitted to know guidance as few other men have known as he loved God and grieved over the sins of the people.

In spite of all this, Moses did not know of the leprosy in his own bosom: "And the Lord said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow" (Exodus 4:6).

What terror—to reach into your own bosom and touch leprosy! What an object lesson on the utter depravity of the flesh. Was God indulging in a little magic with Moses? No, this was a powerful lesson the man of God must learn. It was God's way of saying to his man, "When self is in control, you end up hurting people and bringing reproach on my work. When you attempt to do my work in spectacular, fleshly ways, you minister death, not life.”

God was declaring, "I cannot use that old nature from Egypt—it cannot be transformed, it will always be leprous. There must be a new man, one caught up in the glory and power of the I AM!"

Moses was commanded to put his leprous hand back into his bosom. "And he put his hand into his bosom again; and plucked it out of his bosom, and, behold, it was turned again as his other flesh" (Exodus 4:7).

Stretching forth the hand represents ministry. What is leprosy, but sin? Hidden, unexposed, unforsaken sin! What happens when a man of God gets on holy ground? His inner soul is exposed. His deepest, hidden sins are brought to light before his eyes and he is driven to the tender mercies of Christ for healing and restoration.

Thank God for that second, sanctifying touch! That cleansing moment, when by faith the old flesh is crucified and the hand of ministry is purified—when we are once again clothed in the proper flesh—his flesh.

Thank God we can rejoice in the cleansing by the precious blood of Christ.