In the Bible, a “running issue” refers to a bodily fluid discharge, particularly related to menstruation or other forms of bodily impurity. According to Leviticus 15, such an issue renders a person ceremonially unclean, necessitating specific purification rituals.
Scripture
1 The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying,
2 “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When any man has a discharge from his body, his discharge is unclean.
3 And this is the law of his uncleanness for a discharge: whether his body runs with his discharge, or his body is blocked up by his discharge, it is his uncleanness.
4 Every bed on which the one with the discharge lies shall be unclean, and everything on which he sits shall be unclean.
5 And anyone who touches his bed shall wash his clothes and bathe himself in water and be unclean until the evening.
6 And whoever sits on anything on which the one with the discharge has sat shall wash his clothes and bathe himself in water and be unclean until the evening.
7 And whoever touches the body of the one with the discharge shall wash his clothes and bathe himself in water and be unclean until the evening.
8 And if the one with the discharge spits on someone who is clean, then he shall wash his clothes and bathe himself in water and be unclean until the evening.
9 And whatever saddle he who has the discharge rides on shall be unclean.
10 And whoever touches anything that was under him shall be unclean until the evening, and whoever carries such things shall wash his clothes and bathe himself in water and be unclean until the evening.
11 Whoever touches anything that has been on which has the discharge without having rinsed his hands in water shall wash his clothes and bathe himself in water and be unclean until the evening.
12 And the earthenware vessel that he who has the discharge touches shall be broken, and every vessel of wood shall be rinsed in water.
13 “And when the one with a discharge is cleansed of his discharge, then he shall count for himself seven days for his cleansing, and wash his clothes. And he shall bathe his body in fresh water and shall be clean.”
14 And on the eighth day he shall take two turtledoves or two pigeons and come before the Lord to the entrance of the tent of meeting and give them to the priest.
15 And the priest shall offer them, one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering. And the priest shall make atonement for him before the Lord for his discharge.
16 “If a man has an emission of semen, he shall bathe his whole body in water and be unclean until the evening.
17 “And every garment and every skin on which the semen comes shall be washed with water and be unclean until the evening.”
18 If a man lies with a woman and has an emission of semen, both of them shall bathe themselves in water and be unclean until the evening.
19 “When a woman has a discharge, and the discharge in her body is blood, she shall be in her menstrual impurity for seven days, and whoever touches her shall be unclean until the evening.”
20 Everything on which she lies during her menstrual impurity shall be unclean. Everything also on which she sits shall be unclean.
21 And whoever touches her bed shall wash his clothes and bathe himself in water and be unclean until the evening.
22 And whoever touches anything on which she sits shall wash his clothes and bathe himself in water and be unclean until the evening.
23 And if a woman has a discharge, and the discharge in her body is blood, she shall be in her menstrual impurity for seven days, and whoever touches her shall be unclean until the evening.
24 And if any man lies with her and her menstrual impurity comes upon him, he shall be unclean seven days, and every bed on which he lies shall be unclean.
25 “If a woman has a discharge of blood for many days, not at the time of her menstrual impurity, or if she has a discharge beyond the time of her impurity, all the days of the discharge she shall continue in uncleanness. As in the days of her impurity, she shall be unclean.
26 “Every bed on which she lies, all the days of her discharge, shall be to her as the bed of her impurity. And everything on which she sits shall be unclean, as in the uncleanness of her menstrual impurity.”
27 Whoever touches these things shall be unclean, and shall wash his clothes and bathe himself in water and be unclean until the evening.
28 But if she is cleansed of her discharge, she shall count for herself seven days, and after that she shall be clean.
29 And on the eighth day she shall take two turtledoves or two pigeons and bring them to the priest, to the entrance of the tent of meeting.
30 And the priest shall offer one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering. And the priest shall make atonement for her before the Lord for her unclean discharge.
31 Thus you shall keep the people of Israel separate from their uncleanness, lest they die in their uncleanness by defiling my tabernacle that is in their midst.
32 This is the law for him who has a discharge and for him who has an emission of semen, becoming unclean thereby.
33 And for a woman who is in her menstrual impurity, or for anyone in whom a discharge of semen occurs, or for a man who lies with a woman who is unclean,
Running Issue in the Bible
The concept of a “running issue” in the Bible serves as a profound symbol of both physical and spiritual purity. In Leviticus 15, verses 19-27 outline the implications of such bodily discharges, emphasizing the need for ritualistic cleanliness. The specific instructions provided for handling these issues highlight the broader biblical theme of separation from impurity and the importance of holiness in the community of Israel. For example, Leviticus 15:31 states, “Thus you shall separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness, that they die not in their uncleanness, when they defile my tabernacle that is among them.” Here, the idea of physical cleanliness transcends the literal, reflecting the overarching spiritual principles that govern the relationship between the holy and the unholy.
Moreover, the concept of a running issue finds resonance with broader themes of healing and restoration in the New Testament. The account of the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5:25-34 illustrates this profound transition from impurity to wholeness. Her faith in touching the hem of Jesus’ garment results in not only her physical healing but also her spiritual restoration, as Jesus calls her “Daughter” (Mark 5:34), indicating acceptance and love. This narrative encapsulates the transformative power of faith and underscores the movement from a state of ceremonial uncleanness to a renewed identity within the community of faith. Thus, the biblical treatment of bodily discharges invites reflection on themes of purity, community, and the comprehensive healing offered through Christ, emphasizing the importance of both physical and spiritual wellness in the life of believers.
In exploring the topic of “running issue,” it is essential to understand how the principles surrounding bodily discharges permeate various biblical themes, including divine judgment and restoration. The notion of physical illness as a potential sign of divine displeasure is seen throughout scripture. For example, in the Old Testament narratives, physical ailments often accompany transgressions against God’s laws, serving as a tangible reminder of the consequences of sin. The connection between physical states and spiritual conditions highlights the belief that one’s moral and ceremonial standing can affect not only personal well-being but that of the community at large.
Additionally, the theme of uncleanness associated with bodily issues fosters an anticipation of redemption through the sacrificial system and the anticipated coming of the Messiah. In prophetic literature, the promise of cleansing and restoration illuminates the hope for a future where impurity is eradicated. The prophecy in Isaiah 53 speaks to the suffering servant who bears our infirmities, underscoring the expectation that true healing—both physical and spiritual—would ultimately be fulfilled through Christ’s atoning work. This sense of profound transformation is further evidenced in the teachings of Jesus, who declared that it is not what enters the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of it (Matthew 15:11). This reorientation from external rituals to internal purity reflects the evolving understanding of holiness and the comprehensive nature of God’s redemptive plan. Thus, the significance of a “running issue” extends beyond mere physicality, inviting deeper contemplation of one’s inner condition and relational standing with God and the community.
Spiritual Purity and Cleansing
In biblical texts, a “running issue” often symbolizes a state of spiritual impurity or uncleanliness. This concept extends beyond physical ailments to represent the need for spiritual cleansing and renewal. The presence of a running issue can serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining purity in one’s life, both physically and spiritually. It emphasizes the necessity of seeking forgiveness and restoration through faith and repentance.
The Burden of Suffering
A running issue can also signify the burden of suffering and the struggles that individuals face in their lives. It reflects the human condition of dealing with afflictions, whether they are physical, emotional, or spiritual. This theme resonates throughout the Bible, illustrating how suffering can lead to a deeper understanding of faith, reliance on God, and the hope for healing and redemption. The narrative of individuals seeking healing from their ailments underscores the importance of faith and the transformative power of divine intervention.
Community and Isolation
The concept of a running issue also highlights the social implications of illness and impurity in biblical times. Individuals suffering from such conditions often faced isolation and exclusion from the community, which serves as a commentary on the societal attitudes towards those who are deemed unclean. This aspect of the running issue invites reflection on compassion, acceptance, and the call to support those who are marginalized or suffering, encouraging a more inclusive and loving community in the light of faith.
How to Strengthen Your Faith Through Life’s Challenges
Life’s challenges can often feel overwhelming, but they also present us with profound opportunities to deepen our faith. When faced with trials, remember that these moments can draw us closer to God, as they encourage us to rely on His strength rather than our own. Embrace prayer as your lifeline; it’s in those quiet moments of conversation with God that we find clarity and comfort. Reflect on Scripture, particularly passages like James 1:2-4, which remind us to consider it pure joy when we face difficulties, knowing that they produce perseverance. Surround yourself with a supportive community of fellow believers who can uplift you and share their own experiences of faith during tough times. Lastly, keep a journal of your struggles and the ways you see God working through them; this practice not only helps you process your emotions but also serves as a testament to His faithfulness in your life. Remember, every challenge is a stepping stone toward a stronger, more resilient faith.
Bible References to Running Issues Explained:
Numbers 5:1-4: 1 The Lord spoke to Moses, saying,
2 “Command the people of Israel that they put out of the camp everyone who is leprous or has a discharge and everyone who is unclean through contact with the dead.
3 You shall send away both male and female; you shall send them outside the camp, that they may not defile their camp, in the midst of which I dwell.”
4 And the people of Israel did so, and put them outside the camp, as the Lord said to Moses; so the people of Israel did.
Deuteronomy 23:10-11: 10 “If any man among you becomes unclean because of a nocturnal emission, then he shall go outside the camp.
11 But when evening comes, he shall bathe himself in water, and when the sun has set, he may come into the camp.
Mark 5:25-34: 25 And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years,
26 and who had suffered much under many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was no better but rather grew worse.
27 She had heard the reports about Jesus and came up behind him in the crowd and touched his garment.
28 for she said, “If I touch even his garments, I will be made well.”
29 And immediately the flow of blood dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her disease.
30 And Jesus, perceiving in himself that power had gone out from him, immediately turned about in the crowd and said, “Who touched my garments?”
31 And his disciples said to him, “You see the crowd pressing around you, and yet you say, ‘Who touched me?’”
32 And he looked around to see who had done it.
33 But the woman, knowing what had happened to her, came in fear and trembling and fell down before him and told him the whole truth.
34 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.”
Luke 8:43-48: 43 And there was a woman who had had a discharge of blood for twelve years, and though she had spent all her living on physicians, she could not be healed by anyone.
44 She came up behind him and touched the fringe of his garment, and immediately her discharge of blood ceased.
45 And Jesus said, “Who was it that touched me?” When all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the crowds surround you and are pressing in on you!”
46 But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.”
47 And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed.
48 And he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace.”
Rev. François Dupont is a dedicated church minister with a wealth of experience in serving spiritual communities. With a calm and serene demeanor, he has been devoted to sharing the message of love, compassion, and tolerance for over two decades. Through his thoughtful sermons, compassionate counseling, and unwavering support, Rev. Dupont has touched the lives of countless individuals, allowing them to find solace and strength during difficult times. His serene presence and deep understanding of the human condition make him a trusted guide for those seeking spiritual nourishment and guidance.