Joel M Bradshaw

36“You shall make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it, like the engraving of a signet, ‘Holy to the LORD.’ –Exodus 28

Here is another verse of the Bible that helps us to understand what ‘holy’ means. I underlined a portion for us.

You shall be holy to me, for I the LORD am holy and have separated you from the peoples, that you should be mine. (Leviticus 20:26)

My Mom has some fine china that was given to her from her grandmother. I call it her Thanksgiving china because to my knowledge it is only used at the big Thanksgiving meal. Those dishes are unique, special, and set apart from all the other dishes in my mother’s house. They define the meaning of the word ‘holy’.

Aaron the High Priest was literally to wear those words of separation like clothing or even a work uniform. The nation of Israel was set apart by God from all the other nations as His chosen people. But what about us today? Here are a couple of additional verses. Again, I underlined!

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. (Ephesians 1:3-4)

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:14-16)

I am not a tattoo guy, but if I was, the Hebrew words QODESH L’YAHWEH (holy to the LORD) would be my first Hebrew tattoo. It was what was commanded to be worn by Aaron. Holiness is not an option, but rather an expectation. Holiness doesn’t mean you will always be perfect, but it does mean that you live as if you are indeed set apart and special to God.

Like my mom’s Thanksgiving china, you have an identity that is special. You are precious to God and He has set you apart for a special purpose. You are either serving God as your master or somebody else. What therefore needs to stop in your life and what needs to start? I need this reminder and so do you, my friend.–JMB