Holiness
Week 2 Day 1
Leviticus 19:1-2
Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
2 “Speak to all the congregation of the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.
Leviticus 20:7-8
7 You shall consecrate yourselves therefore and be holy, for I am the Lord your God. 8 You shall keep My statutes and practice them; I am the Lord who sanctifies you.
Then the Lord spoke to Moses, saying:
2 “Speak to all the congregation of the sons of Israel and say to them, ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.
Leviticus 20:7-8
7 You shall consecrate yourselves therefore and be holy, for I am the Lord your God. 8 You shall keep My statutes and practice them; I am the Lord who sanctifies you.
God had a divine purpose for Israel. He desired their sanctity to mirror His own, asking them to embrace a lifestyle vastly distinct from their past and future surroundings. In contrast to the sinful nature of the Canaanites, God wanted the Israelites to be markedly unique.
At first glance, the levitical laws may appear arbitrary or perplexing. However, when viewed through the lens of God's holiness, they reveal a deeper spiritual truth. These laws were not random rules but rather symbolic expressions of God's desire for His people to live in harmony with His holiness. By abstaining from cultic practices, the Israelites were embodying their separation from death and aligning themselves with the life-giving presence of God. They were called to manifest God's holiness in every aspect of their lives.
As New Testament believers, we must recognize the enduring relevance of these principles. Though given to ancient Israel, the call to reflect God's holiness remains important today. As followers of Christ, we are urged to uphold spiritual purity, abstaining from practices that compromise our integrity.
1 Peter 1:15-16
15 "but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16 because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
In essence, God's call for His people to reflect His holiness remains as relevant today as it was for ancient Israel. By embracing a lifestyle of holiness and separation from worldly ways, we push death down and experience the abundance of the gospel life. We fulfill His divine purpose for us by glorifying Him with the entirety of our lives.
At first glance, the levitical laws may appear arbitrary or perplexing. However, when viewed through the lens of God's holiness, they reveal a deeper spiritual truth. These laws were not random rules but rather symbolic expressions of God's desire for His people to live in harmony with His holiness. By abstaining from cultic practices, the Israelites were embodying their separation from death and aligning themselves with the life-giving presence of God. They were called to manifest God's holiness in every aspect of their lives.
As New Testament believers, we must recognize the enduring relevance of these principles. Though given to ancient Israel, the call to reflect God's holiness remains important today. As followers of Christ, we are urged to uphold spiritual purity, abstaining from practices that compromise our integrity.
1 Peter 1:15-16
15 "but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior; 16 because it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”
In essence, God's call for His people to reflect His holiness remains as relevant today as it was for ancient Israel. By embracing a lifestyle of holiness and separation from worldly ways, we push death down and experience the abundance of the gospel life. We fulfill His divine purpose for us by glorifying Him with the entirety of our lives.
Reflection and Prayer
What practices or behaviors in our lives compromise our holiness?
Are we actively seeking to align ourselves with God's life-giving presence?
How does the concept of God's holiness influence your daily choices and behaviors?
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your holiness, which calls us to a life of separation from death and impurity. Grant us the wisdom and strength to live holy lives that reflect Your presence and glorify Your name. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Are we actively seeking to align ourselves with God's life-giving presence?
How does the concept of God's holiness influence your daily choices and behaviors?
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your holiness, which calls us to a life of separation from death and impurity. Grant us the wisdom and strength to live holy lives that reflect Your presence and glorify Your name. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Easter 2024 Devotionals
The Lamb is on the Throne
March 30th, 2024
The Lamb, slain yet standing, bears the weight of ultimate victory over death....
To Die is Gain
March 29th, 2024
To be with Christ for eternity far outweighs anything we experience on this earth, but while we continue living, we have everything to live for as we have the privilege of advancing Christ’s kingdom and being a faithful witness for Him....
Anticipating Resurrection
March 28th, 2024
We look forward to the mystery of bodily resurrection in which we trade our mortal and perishable bodies for an imperishable and immortal body no longer subject to sickness, disease, decay, and death....