“Holiness is obedience turned inward. Mission is obedience turned outward.” - Brian Blount
Holy means “dedicated or consecrated to God or a religious purpose; sacred.” In Revelation 4, we see the four living creatures day and night never stop saying “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come! (v8)” In Isaiah 6, we see the seraphim calling to one another “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory! (v3)” God is not once holy. Not even twice holy. But three times holy.
Holy, holy, holy.
This thrice holy God declares, “You shall be holy, for I am holy (1 Peter 1:16).”
To set apart our lives (holiness), as a spiritual act of worship (obedience) is the calling for the follower of Jesus (Romans 12:1). And when our lives are set apart as a spiritual act of worship, we become those who echo the prophet, “Here I am, send me!” (Isaiah 6:8)
God, make us holy as you are holy. For Your glory and our good, amen.
Let it be,
AB