Torah Portion: Leviticus 12:1-13:59
Tazria (‘she conceives’).
Sir James Simpson may not be a name from history with which we are familiar. But all of us should be extremely grateful for the medical work that he carried out back in 1847. It was then that he discovered the anaesthetic properties of chloroform. This meant that surgery (and dentistry!) could be carried out painlessly.
Notably, Sir James was a committed Christian and his pioneering research was undertaken in the area of obstetrics. However, this meant that there was potential opposition from Christians who challenged such treatment on the grounds that the Genesis account of the Fall included birth being undertaken in “painful labour” (Gen 3:16). Sir James’ rebuttal of that view was robust. He pointed out, among other things, that agriculture was also supposedly to be carried out in “painful toil” yet no one questioned the use of horses to draw ploughs - or that God had caused Adam to fall into a “deep sleep” before removing a rib, from which Eve was created.
The work of Sir James and other believers in pioneering medical care reminds us that God is concerned and involved in our physical wellbeing. What is striking about these two chapters in Leviticus (12 and 13) is the precise detail which God laid down regarding practical action concerning both childbirth and skin conditions. It is a reminder, necessary in these times, that science cannot operate (excuse the pun!) without the spiritual dimension, which should be integral to medical treatment.
God’s Involvement
Some time ago a television documentary depicted the work carried out in the Royal London Hospital around the 1900s. Obviously there was a huge difference in medical practice and understanding compared with today. But what struck me particularly was the fact that at the beginning of the morning there would be a corporate act of prayer on each ward. Staff and patients would literally kneel (if possible) before God, acknowledging His involvement in what was to take place in the hours ahead.
This act of worship of over a hundred years ago contrasts markedly with current attitudes. Medical science is held as supreme and God is discarded. But these chapters in Leviticus show that God desires to be fully involved and acknowledged in medicine, from diagnosis to treatment.
We know this from the prominent and clearly prescribed medical role given to priests. As well as carrying out a form of medical examination, there was a particular task the priest was required to undertake. It is described at regular points throughout this series of divine directives and constituted the words: “...and the priest shall pronounce them...” (see Leviticus 13:8, also verses 11, 17, 20, 22, 25, 27, 28, 34, 37, 44; emphasis mine). Appointed and authorised by God, the priest would bring a verdict that would determine the person’s future.
The Final ‘Say’
The problem that we face in contemporary secular society is that we are constantly bombarded with the ‘pronouncements’ of many qualified experts. These may be, no doubt, grounded in good empirical research and experience. On that basis we probably find ourselves accepting their findings unquestioningly.
But these verses in Leviticus show us that it is God who has the final ‘say’ in our lives (including our health). The words that God pronounces are the ones we need to hear and take on board, even if they are contrary to modern understanding. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus brought His pronouncement of life and healing, together with hope and affirmation, to those whom everyone else had ‘written off’.
What aspect of your life do you need to bring to God in order to hear His pronouncement, in contrast to the godless and humanistic viewpoints of this world?
Author: Stephen Bishop
