Joshua 3:5 AMP
Then Joshua said to the people, “Sanctify yourselves [for His purpose], for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders (miracles) among you.”
The children of Israel are about to cross the Jordan into the promised Land and God gives them specific instructions for crossing. They are to focus on the Ark, they are to move when the Ark moves and follow it, however in doing that they have to maintain their distance so that they can see the ark and know the way to go .
Joshua then tells them to sanctify themselves for this purpose. To sanctify is to set apart for a holy purpose. For us to get the most of this new season, we each must take the personal responsibility to sanctify ourselves. We cannot live and think the way the world does.
2 Timothy 2:21 AMP
Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from these things [which are dishonorable –disobedient, sinful], he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified [set apart for a special purpose and], useful to the Master, prepared for every good work.
Paul tells Timothy that if anyone cleanses himself from things which are dishonorable, disobedient and sinful they shall be a vessel of honor. Though we are saved by grace having faith in Christ Jesus, we must then make a choice to walk away from our sinful life. The bible does tell us that we cannot continue sinning so that grace may abound much more. In fact the grace of God teaches us to say no to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.
May we be vessels found worthy to be used for His special purposes because we have sanctified ourselves.
Reflections
What are some of the items set apart for special use in your home?
In what ways are believers defiling themselves in this generation?
In what area of your life do you need to set yourself apart?
