Thursday, February 21

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2018

"I am the Lord, who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy." (Leviticus 11:45)

"The wise in heart accept commands,

    but a chattering fool comes to ruin.

Whoever walks in integrity walks securely,

    but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out." (Proverbs 10:8,9)

In today's reading from Leviticus, we receive a thorough background on clean and unclean foods.  God caps His instructions to Moses (and intended for the entirety of Israel) with this summary:  "I am the Lord, who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy." (Leviticus 11:45)

These two adjoined statements contain some deep truth.  First, we understand that obedience or holiness emanates from God's character.  He doesn't need to "act holy" because "I am holy."  His holiness is inherent.  This holiness may comfort us, knowing that God will not deceive us nor suspend His lovingkindness.  Holiness helps to guarantee the promises of God, and it sets clear standards for good and evil.  Because of this holiness, we can trust Him as arbiter and judge.  While we may try to do so ourselves, our judgments will never lack for bias or agenda.  Yet, God's views are objective, flowing from His holiness.

Second, we understand that our obedience ties closely to our relationship with God.  While God's relationship with the Israelites may have seemed corporate or national, we recognize that God interacts with each individual intimately and personally.  Despite His holiness, He is never far off, but rather ready, willing, and able to engage with us on an individual level.  Our obedience is therefore personal; we obey God and therefore follow His commands.  We recognize His fatherly love for us and understand that His will and His ways are perfect for us.  Jesus makes clear that our love for God and our obedience are inseparable (John 14:21).

Third, God's faithfulness to us provides evidence so that we may maintain our obedience.  In several passages, we understand that God's faithfulness is unending and continues, even when we don't deserve it.  Nonetheless, God calls us to emulate His character and to "be holy."  When we live faithfully according to His Word, we may expect a greater measure of His Presence and faithfulness in our lives.  We will more clearly perceive His direction and whisper in our lives because the signals won't be corrupted by our misdirected or divided hearts.  We will enjoy integrity of heart, mind, and spirit and may therefore "walk... securely." (Proverbs 10:9)

Lastly, holiness in us points others to God.  To the extent that others may see any of the beauty, glory, majesty, and holiness of God in us—all through the work of the Holy Spirit—God will receive even greater glory as He draws others to Himself through us.  As Hebrews 12:14 instructs, we should "make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord." (Hebrews 12:14)  Here, the writer establishes that holiness extends to our relationships with others.  Seeking peace—and, as described later in the passage, forgiving others—creates a healthy environment for experiencing God's presence.

I know that there are many areas of my life that I may surrender more fully to the Lord.  These areas tend to "roll" or "fluctuate," which only re-emphasizes the necessity of depending more fully on God and being guided by the Holy Spirit.  I find that, when I am indulging in sinful thoughts, I don't desire God's Presence; instead, I am running from Him.  I need the reminder from God's holiness to seek Him each day and each hour; otherwise, I am wasting God's precious resource of time and missing out on the blessing of intimacy with Him.

Lord God, thank You for Your holiness.  Thank You that Your character never changes and that Your promises and their fulfillment are rooted in Your perfect character.  Help us to more fully reflect Your holiness.  Keep our hearts from longing after fleeting pleasures and missing Your Presence.  Give us strength of heart and mind to seek You today.  Give us integrity of heart, mind, and spirit, and help us to provide a strong example of Your character among our family, friends, and colleagues.  To You be all glory, honor, and praise forever!  In Jesus's Name, amen.

"Take My Life" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uHeEytocJVY)