God is holy. That means that he is set apart from sinners. And that he cares deeply about justice. When a sin is committed, restitution must be made.
It doesn’t end there. A holy God requires those around him to be holy. He especially desires his own people — his specially chosen people — to be holy.
God made this clear to children of Israel: “Do not profane my holy name, for I must be acknowledged as holy by the Israelites. I am the Lord, who made you holy and who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the Lord” (Leviticus 22:32-33, NIV).
We are God’s chosen people too. For just a moment, pause and think about how amazing that truth is. The problem is you and I, like the Israelites, are not “set apart” at all from sinners. We are deeply imbedded amongst sinners, because we ourselves are sinful and unholy.
And that’s a big problem.
At least it was. Until God’s Son Jesus raised his hand, and willingly offered himself to die in our place.
He will pay the restitution. He will reconcile us to the Father. A holy God makes things perfectly right through the sacrifice of his own life. The single solution to the problem — the solution that draws holiness and love together in a single act — is Golgotha.
And that’s amazing love.
“They brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha (which means “the place of the skull”). Then they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he did not take it. And they crucified him. Dividing up his clothes, they cast lots to see what each would get” (Mark 15:22-24, NIV).
Our Bible reading for Tuesday, March 10, is Leviticus 21:1 – 22:33, Mark 15:1-32 and Psalm 31:19-24.
Jesus thank you for your perfect holiness and your perfect love. Help me to be astounded every day by you and the perfect, loving sacrifice you were willing to make to win forgiveness and reconciliation for me.
Header image based on "Golgotha_2024" by Emery, CC By 2.0
pastorjeffgunn 
Our Bible reading for Tuesday, March 10, is Leviticus 21:1 – 22:33, Mark 15:1-32 and Psalm 31:19-24.
“Keep my commands and follow them. I am the Lord. (Leviticus 22:31 NIV)
Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” Those crucified with him also heaped insults on him. (Mark 15:32 NIV)
Heavenly Father, you are Lord of all and the Holy One. You rule over Heaven and Earth. You look down upon me and know of my sin. Thank you Lord for three nails and a cross. I do see, I do believe, I do hold your name in my heart. Jesus my savior, my King. Thank you for all the good things you do. Keep me strong as I take heart with all my hope in You.
How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you. (Psalm 31:19 NIV)
Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. (Psalm 31:24 NIV)
~Paul Montenieri
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