Holy people make a holy land

Good morning everyone,

Our theme for this month: “Sanctification”

Our Bible verse for today: “But as the one who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct; for it is written, Be holy, because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:15-16 (CSB)

Our thought for today: “Holy people make a holy land”

Dr. Denis Prager is an eminent Old Testament scholar – one of the best in our day. In his excellent commentary on the book of Exodus Dr. Prager points out that never once does the Bible refer to the land of Israel as “The Holy Land.” All references are to “The Promised Land.” It’s the people who are called to be holy, and it is the people who will make the land holy – or not.

By “land” the Bible is usually not referring to soil, rocks, and trees, but to the nation of people who inhabit the land. In most Biblical uses of the word, “land” means “nation.” The implication is that holy people will make for a holy land, and unholy people will constitute an unholy land.

So, that begs the question, “Is our land a holy land or an unholy land today?” And if it is not holy, we then need to ask, “Who is at fault?” Who is it that God has called to be holy? Is it the unsaved sinners God expects holy behavior from, or is it the people of God?

You know the answer – and so do I. It’s us. We are the ones who are to be holy, and we are the ones who are then responsible for making the land (the nation) a holy land. It starts with the people of God and it can then extend out into the neighborhoods, towns, cities, states, and the nation. How can the nation be holy if God’s people aren’t?

So, are we? Are we, God’s people, living the lives of holy people? Maybe. Maybe some of us and maybe sometimes. But maybe not often enough and maybe not holy enough. For instance, I sometimes hear Christians indignantly declare “We need to put prayer back into schools!” But do you know how many churches don’t even have regular weekly prayer meetings? And of those that do, do you know how poorly attended those prayers meetings are? We need to put prayer back in schools?? I think we need to put it back in churches first.

You get my point. Are we, God’s people, living holy lives of our own – in our personal lives, in our homes, and in our churches? If we are going to have a holy land, we (God’s people) will have to fist be holy people.

As individuals and as a body of believers we must recommit ourselves to holy living. Our communities and our nation will never become a holy land if we ourselves are not first a holy people.

God bless,
Pastor Jim

(If you like what you’re reading in these daily devotionals, and if you would like more content from Oak Hill Baptist Church, join us on Sundays at 10:00, in-person if you are nearby or, if you are geographically distant or if you just can’t make it, online at www.YouTube.com/@oakhillbaptistcrossville

Share this:

Related

Leave a comment Cancel reply