Something to Think About – 2020.01.10

…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 1:15-16

‘I love the Greek language as it is so precise and full of meaning. For instance, today’s scripture uses the word “the” translated here as “he,” but it can also mean “one.” In other words, it can be translated, “The ONE who called you is holy…”

Now let’s turn to the word holy. The holy ONE has called you to be holy has also made you holy. What does that mean? What does holy mean?

First, you need to know that Peter is quoting Leviticus 11:44-45, 19:2, and 20:7. After rescuing them from enslavement by the polytheistic Egyptians, YHWH tells the Hebrew people to be holy because he, who is their savior, is holy. It is a call to identity. Peter uses the Greek word “hagios,” which means holy, but also understood as being called to a lifestyle full of the otherness, difference, and the nature of the LORD.

So our identity as ones who have received the name Christian should take on the nature of our LORD Jesus Christ. Ultimately we are ca;;ed to a lifestyle of difference and otherness compared to the behaviors, morals, ethics, and philosophies of the world around us.

The Hebrew people stood distinct as followers of the One true God, YHWH. We are called to this as well. But this often comes with a price when living in a world full of many idols, false gods, and sin.