Leviticus 18-19; Psalm 13; Acts 19

"Speak to the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy." Leviticus 19:2

Leviticus stresses to "be holy" and holiness, being set apart is the main theme of the whole book. The word "holy" appears eighty times in the book. Some may feel that it's difficult to grasp but according to Jewish tradition it was the first book to be taught to children. It was felt that children should be taught the sanctity of God and the responsibility of each individual to live a holy life. Today's reading I believe is prophetic for us. Earlier today I was led to go to planned parenthood to pray and intercede for the lives of children that are being murdered. I checked the web site for their hours of operation and on their front page are two men laying next to each other with an ad about safe sex. What does this have to do with holiness? 1 out of 6 abortions are done by evangelical christian women and homosexuality is more and more accepted as a lifestyle in the church. Perhaps a more thorough teaching of Leviticus and a reading of chapter 18:22 would bring revelation towards those who call themselves Christian. God is calling us to be holy and being holy is more than living by a righteous standard or dutiful behavior such as speaking and standing against sin. It's making a choice of abandoning oneself to let God be God through us. The only way to be holy and live a life that is truly set apart is being filled with the Holy Spirit. Our other reading in Acts 19 says when the Holy Spirit came upon them, they spoke with tongues, prophesied and walked in boldness. It's interesting that the man who was considered the best man that ever lived (John) was filled with the Spirit and prepared the way for Jesus.

What a day to answer the call to be holy and ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit. Now go and be a witness as the Lord manifest Himself in you.

Praying for you!
Pastor Joe