Good Morning.
Every one of you shall revere his mother and his father, and keep My Sabbaths: I am the Lord your God. Do not turn to idols, nor make for yourselves molded gods: I am the Lord your God (Leviticus 19:3-4)
As I mentioned in the previous devotion, holiness is not some abstract notion that escapes being defined but is manifest in our lives through different precepts. For instance, reverence for one’s parents is an expression of holiness and, depending upon our consideration of them, might reflect on our devotion to God. In other words, if we aren’t willing to show our earthly parents honor, do we truly honor our heavenly Father?
There are other instructions given to us within the context of being a holy people, including consideration of the needy, promptly paying those who do work for us, dealing with our fellowman honorably and treating a stranger with respect. The point is, holiness is not obtained by fleeing from the world and isolating ourselves, but by doing what is right while we are in the world. That is exactly what Yeshua did and thus He told His followers:
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Mat 5:14-16)
So as we strive to be a holy people, let’s remember that we are here to engage and positively influence the world, not abandon them and leave them to ruin. And as we engage the world, and all the ugliness that goes with that, let us remember the admonition of the prophet Micah who said, “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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