SANCTIFICATION

"For by one offering He has perfected forever them that are sanctified" (Heb10:14)

Devotion 5 of 16

THE SANCTIFICATION OF PEOPLE #2
People sanctify themselves

One of the indispensable ministries of the First covenant was its introduction to spiritual realities by means of types and shadows. The various offices and ceremonies carried out by the commandment of the Lord were a projection of spiritual realities that would be realized in the coming Christ.

Frequently, the Lord would say to those ministering to Him, "SANCTIFY YOURSELVES" (Lev 11:44; 20:7). Moses, and later Joshua, reminded the people that being in the presence of the Lord required they "sanctify" themselves (Num 11:18; Josh 3:5; 7:13). Samuel did the same (1 Sam 16:5). The people were required to divest themselves of distracting influences, and marshal all of their beings to stand before, and minister to, the Living God.

"So the priests and the Levites SANCTIFIED THEMSELVES to bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel" (1 Chron 15:14). "And they gathered their brethren, and SANCTIFIED THEMSELVES, and came, according to the commandment of the king, by the words of the LORD, to cleanse the house of the LORD" (2 Chron 29:15). These texts introduce us to the necessity of PERSONAL INVOLVEMENT. That is the idea they convey, and on of the purposes for which the accounts are written. Involvement requires preparation.

Individuals thus became conscious of the nature of God's work. Though mandated under a system of law, the people sanctifying themselves introduced the thought of SELF-SACRIFICE. This is an integral part of the new covenant. In Christ, people are "willing in the day of His power" (Psa 110:3). For example, when we are urged to present our "bodies a living sacrifice to God" (Rom 12:1-2), it is more than a legalistic requirement. This is the nature of the kingdom, as introduced under the law. The Lord appeals to our wills to involve our hearts and affection in the salvation that is in Christ Jesus "with eternal glory" (2 Tim 2:10). We thus divest ourselves of distracting influences, while engaging in an effort to appropriate the blessing of God. PEOPLE HAD TO BE MADE READY FOR THE LORD.

People sanctify people

"And Moses went down from the mount unto the people, and SANCTIFIED THE PEOPLE; and they washed their clothes" (Exo 19:14). "And the men of Kirjathjearim came, and fetched up the ark of the LORD, and brought it into the house of Abinadab in the hill, and SANCTIFIED ELEAZAR his son to keep the ark of the LORD" (1 Sam 7:1). "And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and SANCTIFIED THEM, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually" (Job 1:5).

Through His wise dealings with a chosen people, God introduced the idea of one person sanctifying others. It was necessary for this thought to be developed. Salvation does involve people being sanctified by One of their own--even the Lord Jesus Christ. Those sanctified by the chosen individual could not otherwise have been sanctified. They owed their privileged condition to the work of another. When the Redeemer was sent into the world, the groundwork had been laid for an appreciation of His gracious ministry of sanctification!

PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You for the reality of being set aside for Your own purpose and glory--for the privilege of involvement with You and Your will. I know this is owing to the accomplishments and present ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. Accept my praise for this gracious provision in His name.

-- TOMORROW: JESUS WAS SANCTIFIED --