Speak unto all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say unto them, Ye shall be holy: for I the Lord your God am holy. — Leviticus 19:2 KJV
Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy. — Leviticus 19:2 NIV
Reflection on Verse for Today
This verse makes an explicit call to holiness for the entire assembly of Israel, a call that extends to all believers. Holiness, as described in the scriptures, is about being set apart, consecrated, and sanctified. It’s about reflecting God’s nature and character in the world. We are called to be distinct from the world, not conforming to its patterns but transformed by the renewing of our minds (Romans 12:2).
“Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy,” suggests a relational component to holiness. We’re not just called to be holy as an arbitrary rule, but because our God, who has called us into relationship with Himself, is holy. The God we serve is a holy God, pure and without sin. He is set apart from all creation by His divine nature. Our call to holiness, therefore, is a call to emulate the character of our Creator. It’s a challenge to live lives worthy of the calling we have received (Ephesians 4:1), not through our strength but by the power of the Holy Spirit working within us.
Through this scripture, we are also reminded that holiness is not about perfection in our terms. We cannot achieve absolute purity or sanctity through our efforts, but through Christ’s work on the cross, we have been justified and sanctified. Our sanctification process is a journey, an ongoing transformation into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). This journey requires a response from us – a commitment to live according to God’s commands and a dedication to seeking His will in all areas of our lives.
In this bible verse, we find a powerful invitation for us today to echo God’s holiness in our lives. It is not a demand to attain an impossible standard but a loving directive from our Father, who knows that in our pursuit of holiness, we will come to better understand His heart and His ways. As we strive to embody His holiness, we deepen our relationship with Him and witness His transformative power in our lives. We can then become conduits of His grace, love, and mercy to the world, reflecting the radiance of His holy character.
As Christians, let us take this call to holiness seriously, knowing it’s an opportunity to draw closer to God, to understand Him better, and to shine His light in this world. May we always strive to be holy, for He is holy, and may His Holy Spirit guide us every step of the way.