Holiness as Presence
Jeremiah 9:23-24
Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself that they too may be truly sanctified.
Jesus uses the word holy very sparingly in the Gospels. On one occasion he quotes a rabbinic proverb, “Do not give what is holy to the dogs” (Matt. 7:6 NKJV), but other than that, until John 17 the only time he uses the word holy about anyone is when he refers to God the Father, God the Holy Spirit, or himself, God the Son.
Then, on the last night of his life, when he faces the Cross, knowing all that it means for him, he prays for his disciples, asking the Father to make them holy (John 17:17). For the first time the reader finds an indication that it is possible for human beings to share in the holiness of God.
When God puts his holiness into a human heart, it does not become a human possession. Rather, when the presence of God himself comes in and fills a person’s heart, it enables that person to share in God’s holy character.
It is possible for the Holy One to come and dwell in us so we begin to look like him. Does God’s presence fill your life?
This is an excerpt from a book This Day with the Master by Dennis Kinlaw. If you would like to buy this book please click here.