Sanctify the Lord

“Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the LORD has said, ‘Among those who are near me I will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be glorified.’” And Aaron held his peace.” Leviticus 10:3

The words spoken by Moses to Aaron in the above verse must have been so difficult, but so profound, for Aaron to hear right after God kills his two sons for improper worship. Instead of words of condolences and sympathy, Moses cuts to the heart of the issue and reminds him of the grave responsibility of drawing near to God and serving him. No matter what, regardless of people's distance, God will be glorified by all the people. Paul in Philippians reiterates this sentiment that 'every knee shall bow, every tongue will confess, in heaven and earth, that Jesus Christ is Lord.' It is the inevitable end of all of mankind to one day glorify God, some joyfully, some fearfully. But for those who draw near to God, for those who serve him, who call themselves Christians, especially those who serve as ministers, there is a higher expectation. We are to sanctify God. Moses tells Aaron and speaks through the centuries to us that we cannot take lightly the commandments of God, the holiness of His name, and to treat his presence with fear and respect. We must remember his holiness and not act in a way that presents him as less holy to the world around us. Oh how often I would have been consumed by God's wrath and fire by my own desecration of his holiness, if not for the Son pleading before the throne on my behalf! We cannot forget that God is holy and must be treated in a way worthy of the glory due his name.

Lord Jesus, search our hearts and destroy in us everything that desecrates your temple. Help us to sanctify your name as we draw near to you and bring the nations to glorify your name!