Leviticus 22:32 (ESV) 32 ...I am the LORD who sanctifies you.
The Book of Leviticus will do one of two things to you: It will either 1) put you to sleep, or 2) it will tug at your heart about how God is currently working in your life. The latter is how God has used this Old Testament Book in my own life.
I realize that we live in a day in which theological terms don't make a lot of sense to people nor do they really want to know the meanings of words and the depth that they represent. To me, that is very sad. Theology is placed on the back burners of many people's lives and they have no or little grasp of what they really believe.
So, from that standpoint let me throw some words out there that are important to the Christian faith:
1 - Justification: This is the first word of importance that explains what happens to us when we become a Christian. When we accept Christ into our hearts - God "justifies" us. In simple language - He erased our sins and we stand before Him "just as if we had never sinned." This is the act of giving you a new start (erasing the board, per se). It is wiping away all of our sins by His precious blood.
Romans 5:1 (ESV) 1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
But it doesn't stop here. God has more for us. Notice this next word...
2- Sanctification: This is the ongoing work of God in our lives on a daily basis. God doesn't just forgive us of our sins and give us a new start - He continues to help us on a daily basis. He "sanctifies" us daily. It's like getting a spiritual bath everyday.
Philippians 1:6 (ESV) 6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.
That's why the Book of Leviticus is so important - it is a whole book on how God continues His work in us on a daily basis. He doesn't just save us and leave us on our own but is constantly working in our lives and in our hearts to help to become more and more like Him.
Leviticus 22 is an important chapter in that it is specific to priests/ ministers/ us in how they/us were/are profaning the name of God. It is filled with laws and regulations about what God expects out of His servants.
In our western culture we read through these verses and wonder how it really affects us and our daily living. We wonder how in the world will we ever be able to accomplish what God is trying to accomplish.
And then... there is a ray of light - a verse that shines out in the darkness:
Leviticus 22:32 (ESV) 32 ...I am the LORD who sanctifies you,
Out of nowhere God reminds us that we don't do the sanctifying - He does! He is the one who helps and guides us to the place where we can be most productive and useful for Him.
With my willingness to change and His ability and power - I am changing from "glory to glory."
Sometimes, depending our heart attitude, God has to allow pain and suffering and discomfort in order for us to get where we need to get. He even, if needs be, disciplines us in order to work out the sanctification process in our life.
Hebrews 12:10 (ESV) 10 For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness.
I look back on my life and the different seasons I went through from total compliance to dragging my feet to being a little to a lot stubborn. And yet, God was there with me through every turn and every corner.
"I am the LORD who sanctifies you." It's not an empty promise but a promise filled with a hope of a greater future now and with God forever and ever. It has the backing of God Himself.
May I encourage you to "submit" to this daily sanctifying process. God sees the greater picture in your life. He is not surprised by anything that you are going through. He will see you to the end. His promise is this to you: "I will never leave you nor forsake you." You can count on that!
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