July 22 - Be Holy

 Read today’s texts first: Isaiah 36,37; Psalms 76; 1 Peter 1

MAXIMize YOUR DAY

We can be holy because He is holy - no excuses!

Yesterday we saw the potential for living right; today it is a command. As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy” (1:14-16).

We hear Christians rationalize their sin with comments like “I’m just a sinner saved by grace” or “nobody’s perfect” (I’ve done it too!). We suffer from low expectations not only of ourselves, but also of God. We must remember we are not expected to live holy in our own strength. God is working in us through the “sanctifying work of the Spirit” and “through the living and enduring word of God” (1:2,23). We are to be holy because a holy God is living in and through us.

Even before the arrival of the Messiah and His abiding Spirit, God’s people were expected to obey Him, from Adam to Hezekiah. Our Isaiah reading repeats the exploits of King Hezekiah, who faced two extraordinary tests of his faith and faithfulness. The first was a threat of war with the far superior army of the Assyrians. Hezekiah admitted his helplessness and dependence on his God, who is Lord “over all the kingdoms of the earth,” who “made heaven and earth” (37:14-20). In answer to his prayer, God sent His death angel to fight the battle for Hezekiah.

The second challenge was even greater, requiring a miracle of life, not death. Hezekiah faced impending death from an incurable disease, so again he cried out to God for mercy (38:2,3). God came through with an unprecedented gift of 15 extra years of life. The reason seemed to be Hezekiah’s exemplary life.

“Lord, it is clear in Your Word, both by instruction and example, that I can and should live holy every day. I am grateful You are with me. I can be holy because You are holy!”