WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE SET APART?

As every believer knows, accepting Yahveh’s Love into our hearts, sets us apart for Him. But, do we all know what being set-apart means?

We find this phrase, being set-apart, in Leviticus 20:26, in which we read – Rather, you people are to be holy for me; because I, Adonai, am holy; and I have set you apart from the other peoples, so that you can belong to me, although it appears earlier, in the understanding, Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. (Leviticus 11:44). Herein these words, then, is contained a complete understanding of the meaning of ‘set-apart’.

The Hebrew word for set-apart, kodesh, is an active word. It explicitly connotes activities that are to separate us from others, who are not considered set-apart for Yahveh, our Holy God. Thus, in every aspect of our lives, we are to act in ways that glorify Yahveh and that bless His Holy Name.

For example, we are to be responsible for all our actions and, when we do something illegal or hurtful to others, we are to be accountable for the consequences which result from that action and word. There is no alternative – we are not to hire a lawyer to help us avoid any consequences, although a lawyer may help us ensure we only receive the consequences required.

We are not to lie, for whatever reason, even if telling the truth will result in our losing money, friends, power or status. There is evidence within Scripture, which helps us understand when telling a lie is sanctioned by Yahveh, but these rarely occur and only when He gives permission, as He did for Rahab (Joshua 2).

We are not to steal, even when we or members of our family are suffering grievously. As believers, we know He will support us and provide or us. If He wishes to call us home, that is die and leave this temporary home we have on earth, then that is His prerogative and we, who are set-apart, need not fear or be stressed.

We are not to quarrel or grumble, with or without cause. Following the example of our Beloved Messiah, we may engage righteous anger, in support of His values, and fight against oppression in any form. However, these actions are to be righteous, meaning they are purely designed to turn things around to conform to His values and not just to lift ourselves up.

All of these, and many more instructions, have been designed for us to be role models for the unbelieving world. We are to show our love for Yahveh, our Beloved God, in all our actions and in all our words.

Beloved, we, who are believers in the Most-High Yahveh, blessed is His Name, have a great responsibility in this world. He asks us to be His witnesses, demonstrating to the world a better way of living, an open and loving approach to our neighbours. I urge all of us to accept His invitation “To be Holy because I am Holy.”

CONSIDER: Do you consider yourself to be ‘set-apart’ for Yahveh, our great God? Do you do those things He has asked us to do and avoid those things He has asked us to avoid?

ASK: If you are unsure of what it is He wants us to do, then I suggest you read Torah, the 5-Books of Moses (Genesis to Deuteronomy), and the Apostolic Scriptures (New Testament). You may also ask Yahveh to lead and guide you towards His Holy Commandments.

PRAY: Beloved Yahveh, our Holy God, I am not fully certain, if I do those things you wish me to do and avoid those things you wish me to avoid. Please help me know better what I may do, in order to please you and to ensure I am a good witness for You. B’Shem Adonai Yeshua, Mashichainu.

May the God of Avraham, Isaac and Jacob bless you richly.