Many years prior, a good friend of mine and faithful Gospel preacher, ushered in the sermon entitled, “Living in A No-Fault Generation”. In Brother Ferman Carpenter’s delivery, he elaborated on the fact that most Christians do NOT prioritize God in their daily lives, although none readily admitted it aloud. As an illustration, he gave fictitious responses by family members who seemed to prefer recreational contributions to the more declarative offerings given towards The Christ. Is it possible that a person could STATE their hearts reside with God, but in REALITY, live unto self? None of us does this right? Of course we would! Jesus noted this while here on earth. He reminded them of the prophecy of Isaiah, “Inasmuch as these people draw near with their mouths And honor Me with their lips, But have removed their hearts far from Me, And their fear toward Me is taught by the commandment of men” (Isaiah 29:15, NKJV). In other words, we cannot prioritize God simply by mere words. Nor can we adore Him in simplistic actions which derive from our hearts and rebuke in principle His logic. Do we make time to be holy according to God and His will for our lives? In the Old Testament, we can see God’s provision for Israel in faith. He was their rescuer (Exodus 14:30). He gave them instructions for righteousness (Leviticus 26:46). God also gave a system of holiness beginning with Aaron, the brother of Moses. He states, “Now take Aaron your brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister to Me as priest, Aaron and Aaron’s sons: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar” (Exodus 28:1). Aaron and his lineage were “set apart” to do a specific work. As priest, he was responsible for making the sin offering (Leviticus 9:15). He, along with Moses, offered blessings for God’s people (Leviticus 9:22-23). And, in holding this coveted position, God exhorted the priesthood to be clothed PURPOSELY in clothes of holiness. God stated, “And you shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother, for glory and for beauty” (Numbers 28:2). Notice God states that as we don our “priestly” robes today, it is for beauty and glory TOWARDS God! WE make little today of the garments attached to ourselves on the first day of the week, but isn’t there a connection between the priesthood of old and the “priesthood” held today? 1 Peter 2:9 states, “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” If we are the called out today, then we (baptized, penitent, believer in the promises of God) are simultaneously, the priesthood of today (Revelation 1:6, 5:16). Therefore, we are also called to be holy. Set apart. Made for God’s handiwork and beauty. Don’t forget this TODAY, not just on the first day of the week. Think about these things, and God Bless,
-Archie R. Green
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