September 28 | 1 Peter 1:13-16

Sep 28

2 min read

DAILY READING

REFLECTION

Holy in Christ

By Dave Mann

The Apostle Peter makes a bold statement in verses 15-16, But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”

What writing was Peter referring to that he was quoting (v. 16)? Yes, Jesus himself said something very similar, as recorded in Matthew 5:48 – Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. However, the Gospel of Matthew likely had not been written yet when 1 Peter was written, probably 80-90, while 1 Peter was likely written 62-64. So, Peter must have been referring to an older writing. If we look in Leviticus, we find two passages.

Leviticus 11:44-45

I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy. Do not make yourselves unclean by any creature that moves along the ground. I am the Lord, who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore, be holy, because I am holy.

Leviticus 19:2

Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: “Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.”

What does it mean to be holy? It can mean to be morally pure. But it can also mean to be consecrated and set apart for a special purpose.

Each one of us has been called to fulfill a special part of the Lord’s plan. There are some parts of God’s plan that can only be accomplished by you. You don’t necessarily need to have a theological degree from a seminary. You don’t necessarily need some astounding oratorical ability for public speaking. You just need to be you, a disciple of Jesus with connections to the family members and neighbors and co-workers that only you have.

You have been loved and redeemed by Christ. You were bought with a price (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). What the Holy Spirit did to get your attention and to bring you to faith is unique and special for you. Your personal story is unique and unlike any other in this world.

Can you see that Christ’s blood atoned for you and made you holy? He has set you apart for a unique purpose in this world. Because Christ loves you with an everlasting love, you are made special, valuable, and set apart. Because you are cleansed from your sin, God makes you holy. You can stand in his presence by the power of the blood of Jesus.

PRAYER

Holy Father, thank you for making me holy. It is only because of your work through Jesus on the cross that I can be in your presence. This is a high and holy calling, in Jesus’ name, Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

DAVE MANN

I am a Pastor for Internationals (retired) in the UALC community. I am married to Pam, father of four, and grandfather of seven. Pam and I have lived twenty of our years in other countries including France, Cameroon, Haiti, and Morocco. In retirement, we continue to enjoy writing devotionals, learning languages, and teaching English to internationals.