“For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.1
What does it mean to be holy? Biblically, to be holy is to be separate or unique. You shall be holy to me, for I the LORD am holy and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine.2
In the book of Deuteronomy for chapter 7 alone, talking before Israel Moses used God’s name “the LORD your God” 15x, emphatically emphasizing that the LORD who created the universe is Israel’s God! Thus, they would declare in their Song of Ascents, My help comes from the LORD, who made heaven and earth.3 They were admonished not to be afraid but remember what the LORD had done for them—they saw signs and wonders, and how the mighty hand of God rescued them.4
To you I lift up my eyes, O you who are enthroned in the heavens! Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the LORD our God, till he has mercy upon us.5 Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; . . . write them on the tablet of your heart. So you will find favor and good success in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Be not wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD, and turn away from evil. It will be healing to your flesh and refreshment to your bones.6
Fear has a way of derailing us from God’s purpose. In the NT, Paul exhorts the Philippian church, So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, and participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy be being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind.7 To the Ephesian church, he exulted them to put up the full armor of God, particularly to take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.8 To illustrate that the battle is in the mind and to parry the enemy’s attack with God’s Word. We have to keep reminding ourselves that we have been redeemed and set apart for the glory of God.
What practical applications may one do? First, equip oneself with Scripture daily; earnestly desire to know Jesus.9 Second, believe his Word. O God my Lord, deal on my behalf for your name’s sake; because your steadfast love is good deliver me!10 Help me, O LORD my God! Save me according to your steadfast love.11 Third, trust Jesus as your personal Savior. With my mouth I will give great thanks to the LORD; I will praise him in the midst of the throng. For he stands at the right hand of the needy one, to save . . .12
Praise the LORD, all nations! Extol him, all peoples! For great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!13 May the Lord direct your hearts to the love of God and to the steadfastness of Christ.14 AMEN!
Notes:
1. Deuteronomy 7:6
2. Leviticus 20:26
3. Psalm 121:2
4. Deuteronomy 7:18-19
5. Psalm 123:1-2
6. Proverbs 3:3-8
7. Philippians 2:1-2
8. Ephesians 6:17
9. Philippians 3:8
10. Psalm 109:21
11. Psalm 109:26
12. Psalm 109:30-31
13. Psalm 117:1-2
14. 2 Thessalonians 3:5
