Pure & Holy, Tried & True
BRD REFLECTIONS:
Ezekiel 44 and Psalm 15 (NIV)
(Alvena Khoo, SWR Committee Member)
READ:
Ezekiel 44 and Psalm 15 (NIV)
OBSERVE:
Both passages emphasise similar lessons: the importance of being pure and holy as God’s people.
The Levites who had strayed from God and went after idols, were not allowed to go near to God or any of His holy offerings (Eze 44:10-14). The Levitical priests, who were allowed to carry on with their priestly functions, were given strict instructions regarding moral standards and even what to wear (Eze 44:15-23). In Psalm 15, only those whose walk is blameless, who honours those who fear the Lord may dwell in His Holy presence.
APPLY:
The priests and people of God are to be pure and holy, physically, spiritually and socially. In other words, in every aspect of our lives.
God is holy and He deserves and requires me to be faithful, obedient, pure and holy too. My role and life on earth is not merely responsibility towards the people I am accountable to. It is also towards the Holy God who created, redeemed and loves me. He requires me to be pure and holy, His clean vessel to carry out the responsibilities and tasks of daily living. Every deed has its consequences. Jesus redeemed us all by His blood. God is sovereign and holy. I cannot merely receive His forgiving grace and love and take lightly His call for me to be pure and holy as well.
I confess that I have at times only dwelled on God’s grace and forgotten the effort needed to be pure in my heart and holy in every aspect of my life. When my deeds and words are unkind, friends and my godly community will lovingly point them out to me. However, my emotional and thought life are often overlooked as these are areas hidden from others. Only God sees them. There will be consequences if I leave them unaddressed as bitterness or unforgiveness may grow and take root. If this happens, what comes next will be unkind words or even a judgmental spirit. This will grieve the Holy God. I would have taken His grace for granted.
DO:
Daily examen and frequent time away from others that I may seek God. While the Holy Spirit examines my heart and thoughts, He reveals all my intentions and motives.
PRAY:
Lord, I confess that I have only appreciated Your grace but ignored the need to examine my heart. You desire Your people to be pure and holy just as You are holy. Help me, Lord, to be pure and holy, tried and true, for You. Amen.
