June 1 Sanctified

John 17:17-19 “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19 For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.”
 
Jesus says, “Sanctify them…”  It’s a good thing he doesn’t teach in our churches today. Too many label “sanctify” as a “churchy” word, too complicated to understand. There seems to be a fear that such Bible-based words will keep people away from church. “Sanctify” (or some versions of the Bible use “consecrate” “dedicate” or “set apart”) though, must be taught. It is necessary for your salvation. Let’s understand why this is true.
   First of all, God sanctified a particular man Abraham to be the father of a people. God sanctified the people Israel to be the nation to display his glory. Out of the sanctified Israel came the Savior. Second, in the Old Testament, “sanctify” points to God-specific actions, so Israel would learn of God’s holy character. For example, God called his people to an assembly after they have left Egypt. Exodus 19:10-11 And the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and sanctify them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes 11 and be ready by the third day, because on that day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.” They had to follow specific rules to go into God’s presence.
   Other sanctifying acts include establishing the Levite tribe to be God’s priests. Articles in the tabernacle, too, were sanctified to teach and remind Israel they worshiped a holy God. Even the Promised Land was a land sanctified to display God as Provider for his chosen people.
   Second, in the New Testament “sanctify” is both a one-time and an ongoing action. At one particular time the Spirit acts to sanctify you to be in God’s eternal holy presence. When you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead. (Romans 10:9) the Spirit of God has dedicated you into God’s kingdom. 1 Corinthians 1:2 to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be holy, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ — their Lord and ours.
   From that miraculous moment, you then begin an ongoing sanctifying journey. God has set your life on a faith track as the Lord has dedicated you to a fruitful life. Through growing knowledge of God, you come to love the Lord with all your heart, mind soul and strength. You understand more deeply God’s holy character. A sanctifying walk with God leads you to God’s Promised Land of the Spirit’s abundant power and blessings. You rejoice with awe and wonder the holy God has set you apart, made you holy to be in his presence.
   Jesus, of course, knows the disciples are set apart. They are about to begin a new, even terrifying and always joyful journey to make disciples of all the nations. Jesus prays their lives will be dedicated to display God’s holiness in the sanctifying gospel. The Son set apart as Savior, sanctifies himself through the cross. In awe and wonder of his resurrection, Jesus’ disciples will more faithfully love and serve their Lord God.
   Do you believe Jesus is your Savior? Then rejoice God has sanctified you. Know a sanctified life is God’s gift to you. Be eager to tell people, “By God’s grace, I am sanctified in Jesus’ blood. Can I tell you why that fills my heart with love, peace and joy?”  
 
Prayer: With gratitude in my heart, Lord, I pray you will sanctify me more and more to be as Jesus. In his name I pray, amen.