Embracing the Holiness of God

As a child, I was fascinated by the untouchable treasures in my grandmother's cabinet, which seemed holy and sacred. This sense of reverence is akin to how we view the holiness of God—a concept that can be challenging to grasp. In our four-week series at Bethesda, we delve into understanding God's holiness and how it shapes our relationship with Him.

God's holiness sets Him apart as wholly other, unique, and separate from creation. It's a positive distinction that signifies His purity and transcendence. The story of Moses and the Burning Bush in Exodus 3:1-6 illustrates the reverence required in God's holy presence. Moses is reminded of his place before the Lord, signifying the need for humility and recognition of God's sanctity.

The Bible teaches that holiness is not passive but an active force. It's welcoming to those who conform and consuming to what offends. Psalm 24:3-4 highlights the purity and integrity needed to approach God. We celebrate a holy God who is pure and separate from sin, yet He desires a relationship with us.

Through Jesus Christ, we are given the grace to approach God with confidence. The imagery of fire throughout Exodus and Acts symbolizes God's powerful presence—self-sustaining and independent. Like Moses, we are invited to understand God more deeply and are called to be set apart for Him, not idle but active and cherished.

The holiness of God calls us to be distinct from the world and aligned with His will. 1 Peter 1:15 encourages us to be holy in all we do, forsaking worldly desires for a fulfilling relationship with God. Despite our imperfections, God's mercy and grace, embodied in Christ, offer us a path to a contrite and devoted heart.

Some may misconstrue God's unconditional love as a license to live without regard for His ways. But true love for God is reflected in honoring Him and living a life set apart. We are wanted by a holy God, and that relationship requires effort to be holy.

This week, I challenge you to ask God daily, "Does this please you?" in your decisions and actions. Seek to remove any barriers that prevent you from living a life marked by His holiness.

**Challenge:** 
Daily ask, "Does this please you, Lord?"
Let this question guide you toward a life that honors and glorifies God, setting you apart for His sacred purpose.

Pastor Micah Moreno