Purpose Study Bible 119: The Living and the Clean

In Leviticus 11, the Lord laid out the guidelines for clean and unclean food and what to do when touching a dead body:

“‘If an animal that you are allowed to eat dies, anyone who touches its carcass will be unclean till evening. Anyone who eats some of its carcass must wash their clothes, and they will be unclean till evening. Anyone who picks up the carcass must wash their clothes, and they will be unclean till evening'" (Leviticus 11:39-40).

The rationale behind these laws has been debated and written about for centuries but for this study, we are looking for clues and guidelines to help us be more purposeful and creative. How does Leviticus 11 relate to our study? It would seem that the Lord wanted the people to be ever conscious and meticulous concerning the clean and unclean, the living and the dead. Is there any correlation to a New Testament principle? Perhaps we could find that in what Jesus said in Mark 7:15: "Nothing outside a person can defile them by going into them. Rather, it is what comes out of a person that defiles them.” We are to be as conscious and meticulous today concerning what is in us as the Jews were according to their dietary laws. God wants clean and living things to come out of us, things that will edify others and glorify Him.

Are you around things that for you are clean and bring life? Are you then producing things that "come out of you" that are also clean and life-giving? Do you see now why it is so important to attend to your words and actions for as James wrote, "Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water" (James 3:12)? You must keep your springs fresh and good tasting so you produce the same in accordance with the gifts and purpose God has assigned you. Therefore, don't devote yourself to things that are below your high calling as a creator and servant of the Most High.