My grandson loves this song! For an almost two-year-old, it’s impressive how well he knows this hymn. While he may not fully understand what holy means just yet, do we? Do we fully grasp the holiness of God? I think if we did, we would think and act differently.
Throughout the Bible, we read story after story of people not fully understanding God’s holiness. Yet, we read how they are granted the most audacious love along with grace and mercy from the One who created them. They are never without His presence, and neither are we.
Holiness, according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, is defined as divine; exalted or worthy of complete devotion as one perfect in goodness and righteousness. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit fit this definition. We do not.
You get a front row seat in what God is looking for from His children when it comes to holiness in the book of Leviticus. This Old Testament book begins with showing us what God requires from us. Sin separates us and we need a way back to Him. Until Christ, the way to appease your sin in front of the holy God was gruesome and tedious. Sin must be dealt with and the shedding of blood was the only way; read Leviticus 1-7. Chapters 8-9 reveal how obedience to God leads one back to His presence. Then, chapters 10-17 show us the importance of His holiness. It matters how we live each day.
Finally, in Leviticus 18, God reveals His set plan in living life. While the world lives in rebellion to God which gives it a limited lifespan, God’s plan is eternal. He transforms you on this side of heaven so you can live forever with Him on the other side.
God reiterates a sovereign truth, “I am the Lord your God! I am the Lord.” He did not want His children to forget that He is God. In chapter 18, you read 4 traits of a true believer:
#1 Do not act like the people in Egypt. Egypt represents your life before Jesus. Christ has made you a new creation, now live like it. Think about Ephesians 5:8, “For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light.” Another version of this verse, “For once you were full of darkness, now let your behavior show it.”
#2 You must not imitate Egypt’s way of life. God was leading the Israelites to a better land, Canaan, but there they would also face the Canaanites who live in rebellion towards God. God wants us to live differently than those around us. What He is saying, do not be like the world that My Son saved you from. Keep yourself set apart for Me.
#3 You must obey ALL my regulations. Why? “If you obey My decrees, and My regulations, you will find life through them.”5 And how do we do that? By reading and studying the Bible on a daily basis. Your heart, mind, and soul need to be nourished by God Himself. He will lead you to true life.
#4 As you read the rest of chapter 18, you learn that sinful man has a problem with sexual sins. God’s final trait that He wants His children to have, do not defile yourself in any of these ways. We are called to live in holiness.
Proverbs 7 describes the battle we face between wisdom and folly. Egypt lived in folly. God doesn’t want us living carelessly. There is no where on earth that is safe from adulterous, unholy living. Keeping Jesus as your focus will keep you from careening down the wrong path. One leads to death, while the other with God. One path offer empty promises while the other path gives satisfaction like no other.
Make your days count for eternity. God is calling you and I to a life of holiness. Listen (to the hymn) and allow God to refocus your heart and mind.
Carol J German 