Jehovah Mekoddishkem – The Lord Who Sanctifies You

Isle of Scalpay Lighthouse, Inner Hebrides,
photography courtesy of MRCockburn. https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attractions-g186485-Activities-c47-t22-oa30-Scotland.html

“But as for you, speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘You shall surely observe My sabbaths; for this is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, that you may know that I am the Lord who sanctifies you.“
Exodus 31:13 (NASB)

“You shall keep My statutes and practice them; I am the Lord who sanctifies you.“
Leviticus 20:8 (NASB)

In this next instalment of the names of God, we come to one which is less known but very important indeed. It only appears twice in the Bible, seen in today’s verses. The first occasion being when Moses receives the law from God on the mountain, in particular with reference to the Sabbath institution as a remembrance of God Almighty. Incidentally, I recently discussed the importance of the Sabbath with a dear sister – important then and still important today for believers. The Sabbath truly is a remembrance of our utter dependence upon God as the one who sanctifies us.

To be sanctified by God was to be set apart from others who don’t love Him; to be made holy in His presence. First it applied to Israel surrounded by heathen neighbours, secondly it applies to believers today living in a sinful world. Sanctification is a twofold process; we choose to soak ourselves in Him and in His Word, and He cleanses us. It is not a once in a lifetime process, but actually a lifetime of repeating. It can be likened to washing dye out of a white shirt, which takes several washes before it is white once more.

Dear Reader, keep washing daily in Him, “working out your salvation in fear and trembling” (Philippians 2:12). We do our part listening to His Spirit, grasping His gift of sanctification through Christ our Lord and Saviour.

For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
Ephesians 2:8-9

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• Psalm Sunday (119:48)26th Mar 2023

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