Transformed to be Holy

Diane Ward

(1 Peter 1:13-23)

Honestly, there are some scripture selections assigned for the days I write that wake me early mornings asking for extra-special guidance. Holiness is an awesome thing to write about, to talk about, to ponder, and to live!

We struggle with the consideration of being “set apart,” it shadows the thought of isolation and loneliness. Surely God made us social creatures. How can we live a holy life when the world around us is unholy? Purification seems out of reach, how much is enough, how will the refiner remove the innate DNA acquired impurities I can’t wash away, can’t hide, can’t manage and won’t survive.

Praise be to God; it is not up to me! “As by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy." (Hebrews 10:14)

Holy refers to a life offered to God, transforming us with a refined burning desire for purity. We are holy to the extent our lives are devoted to him, our actions reflective of his character; (humility, love, discipline, tolerance, peace and faithfulness.) “In gratitude for all that God has done for you, by the sacrifice of Jesus on your behalf, offer your body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, this is your true and proper worship’ (Romans 12:1–2)

“Lord, I am full of gratitude and praise for Jesus’ once and for all sacrifice to bring many sons and daughters to glory. Help me through your Holy Spirit living within me to be holy as you are holy.”

My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus and his righteousness. (Edward Mote)

Experience God

Isaiah 64: 1, 4, 8      

     

Many times, I’ve been on the potter’s wheel, spinning-spinning until rough edges are refined, being shaped in his loving hands as he fits me for service. “I got it Lord! I am the clay, I am the clay, I am the clay! Have your way.” Only through trust and submission to his sovereignty can I experience God’s great love and faithfulness.

Isaiah’s lament: Why doesn’t God tear the heavens apart to come and rescue his people in their crying need? Isaiah 64:1. Is God unmoved, will he do nothing? Isaiah reasoned God has always been ready to help, but his people never sought him. God will answer the prayer of his people beyond their wildest dreams, but the answer will be two-edged; for those who align themselves against him there is alienation and darkness, for his faithful ones, there is life, joy and peace beyond imagination in a heaven and earth made new.

Genesis forward reminds us that God is the Maker of all, He is the potter, we are but clay in his hands. There is peace and assurance in knowing we are formed and shaped vessels, each of us created according to his plan.  "Yet you Lord are our Father, we are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of your hands.” Isaiah 64:8.

On the potter’s wheel transformation begins with new life in Christ, the suffering servant who offered himself as our sacrifice. Isaiah 53.

The love that drew salvation’s plan, the grace that brought it down to man, the mighty gulf that God did span at Calvary!  William R. Newell

The Sinful Mind is Hostile to God

 

Romans 8:7-8

We must answer this question, “to whom do I belong, to God, or to the world?” Beneath it all is the great rebellion, the radical “No” to the Father’s love, the unspoken curse. The prodigals “no” reflects Adam’s original rebellion, his rejection of God. We have preferred the distant country, the world in which everything considered holy at home is disregarded. There is something within us that keeps us clinging to our sin and keeps us from letting God erase our past, offering to us a new beginning. (Henri Nouwen, The Return of the Prodigal Son)

Life is a deep bitter struggle with sin and sorrow, an ongoing war- a blazing battlefield of the mind! Paul tells us in his letter to the Romans how to be of the same mind, (like-minded) with God through the Gospel and the promises and power of the Holy Spirit within us.

God’s love doesn’t force itself on us. Still, Jesus’ ministry insists that God is crazy with love for us. The Parable of The Prodigal Son makes obvious that God can’t bear to be without us!  “Though I knew it was His love who followed, yet was I sore a dread, lest having Him I must have naught beside.” (The Hound of Heaven, Francis Thompson)

On the last day of our lives when Jesus calls us by name, “come blessed of my Father,” it will not be because Abba is just, but because His name is mercy.” Many of us will be bloodied, battered, bruised and limping, and there will be a light in the window and a “Welcome Home” sign on the door. (Brennan Manning, The Ragamuffin Gospel.)

For you beloved son, for your life of struggle (and faith) a witness to many.

Jesus Weeps Over Jerusalem

Luke 19-41-44               

The world’s eyes were once again focused on Israel (barley larger than the state of New Jersey,) as the election outcome of their prime minister posed a potential threat to the peace of Jerusalem.

On a mission of peace Jesus, the Prince of Peace rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. Voices having shouted loud Hosanna’s were now absorbed in the bustling city overflowing with Passover pilgrims. The Temple was over-run with merchants auctioning animals for Passover sacrifice.

Jesus knowing what was to come wept over the lost opportunity for peace for the people. They had not understood his mission; they would have none of this humble messiah. Missing God’s moment they careened on a course that led to destruction by the Romans 70 years later. Jesus, Jeremiah, Ezekiel and Isaiah had all prophetically wept - “oh virgin Israel, return to the Lord!” Jeremiah 31:4

The planning for His mission had begun long ago. Now everything was ready.

“You understand of course that this is entirely voluntary” a deep voice began. He looked around one last time. His home was a place of light, warmth and beauty. He loved it here, but he must go and save them.

“They won’t receive you well; in fact, they will consider you a troublemaker. They love their own ways too much to change.” He nodded; “but some are eagerly waiting for me,” he said, smiling.

They approached the chasm and felt a cold draft. It was dark over there and noisy; shouts of anger, screams of pain, moans of despair. “They are so far away,” he remarked. “Because of you, they can be made near,” his father replied.

He stepped across. For a while it was still and black. Then he saw a feeble light, and it hurt his eyes. He cried - a lonely, wailing sound. “Mary you have a son, just as the angel said you would.” And he was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manager.  (The Mission, Pacheco Pyle)