Day 4: Revealed in Otherness
1 Samuel 2:2
The word “holy” is one of those words that evokes a duality of feelings in me. It brings memories of the old-time corito, “Santo, Santo, Santo . . . Dios en tres personas.” A hymn that speaks of the Triune Holy, Holy, Holy—perfect, complete, mysterious, and separate from sin. This profound truth inevitably highlights the vast chasm that separates me from Him; He is perfect, and I am not.
Yet, in a profound way it also brings warmth and peace to my soul. Warmth in knowing that this Holy One claims me as His beloved. Peace in knowing that no one can ever rival His supremacy, for He remains unmovable, unchangeable—a solid rock.
As we embark on this 40-day journey, it is my hope that you, too, may experience Hannah’s profound joy in worshiping the Holy One. The One who loves you regardless of how different you are from Him. The One who remains a cornerstone of unwavering constancy.
Reflection Prayer
Reflecting on your own life, how can you see God’s holiness reflected in the world around you? Take a moment to thank Him for His unique and perfect nature. Are there areas of your life where you are placing your trust in something other than God? Seek Him as your one true source of security and strength.
Dear God, we praise You for Your unmatched holiness. You are the only God—our rock and our refuge. Thank You for Your unwavering love and faithfulness. Help us to place our trust completely in You. Amen.
Week 1: The Holiness of God
A. W. Tozer writes in his book The Knowledge of the Holy, “We know nothing like the divine holiness. It stands apart, unique, unapproachable, incomprehensible and unattainable. The natural man is blind to it. He may fear God’s power and admire His wisdom, but His holiness he cannot even imagine. Only the Spirit of the Holy One can impart to the human spirit the knowledge of the holy.”
God is holy. Pastor Chip Ingram says, “He isn’t six or ten or one hundred times more holy than the best person you know. God Himself is an entirely different category in which He is the only member.”
God reveals His holiness to us in many ways, as we will see in the Scriptures this week. As we reflect on God’s holiness, how do we respond? Will we take off our shoes? Will we get on our face? Will we make every effort to keep peace? Will we confess or praise? Will we be God’s holy Church?
— Amy Roedding