Name of God - Jehovah Qadash: The Lord Who Sanctifies
Daily Verse: “Now the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 13 “Now as for you, speak to the sons of Israel, saying, ‘You must keep My Sabbaths; for this is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations, so that you may know that I am the Lord who sanctifies you.”
☆ Exodus 31:12-13 NASB
Let's Talk About It: While there are many definitions of sanctification, especially in Hebrew, the voice in which the word is used makes all the difference in the meaning. For instance, “qadash” is used here in piel, so the meaning could be: to set apart as sacred, consecrate, dedicate; to observe as holy, keep sacred; to honor as sacred, hallow; or to consecrate.
Sanctification is defined by the Holman Bible Dictionary as, “the process of being made holy resulting in a changed lifestyle for the believer.” Notice it said “the process.” While regeneration and justification are immediate, sanctification is not. This aspect of our faith takes faith. That’s because it’s our faith that allows the Holy Spirit to work within us. Without faith, we are not able to walk in obedience. I don’t know about you, but God doesn’t usually ask me to do easy things I’m comfortable with.
When He called me to paint, I, like Moses, had a few questions and rebuttals.
Me: Are you sure you have the right person, Lord?
God: I sure do! I don’t call the equipped, I equip the called. Can I have your yes?
Me: But I don’t know the first thing about painting.
God: I know, that’s why it has to be you, you’ll give me all the glory and won’t steal an ounce of it for yourself. Can I have your yes?
Me: But what if people don’t like my paintings?
God: Fear of man is real and I haven’t given you a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. You don’t live for man anymore anyhow. You live for me, remember? Can I have your yes?
Me: Yes, Lord, I will paint, but I need you to guide my every movement, every stroke, down to what brush to use and how to move it.
God: I will be with you every single step of the way. I will not leave you nor forsake you.
Me: I’m sorry it took so long to say yes. Please forgive me.
God: I forgive you. This isn’t the first time I’ve had to encourage a called one of Mine, and it won’t be the last time I encourage you either.
When He called me to speak in front of others, the conversation was similar.
Me: Lord, I’m not sure about this. I don’t do well in front of crowds. I perspire and shake with nervousness. Shouldn’t someone who is more comfortable be doing this? Someone with more boldness and courage? Someone with more knowledge?
God: I will give you boldness to speak when the time comes. Can I have your yes?
Me: Yes, Father. I’m sorry I asked questions again as if You don’t know me better than I know myself. Please forgive me.
God: I forgive you. You didn’t ask as many questions this time, and you didn’t even think about what everyone else would say, so you’re learning, slowly but surely.
When He called me to write these names of God devotionals with my husband, I am proud to say, there were no questions asked. I merely said yes. However, the trepidation and anxiety still reared it’s ugly head, but rather than believe those fiery arrows, I took those thoughts captive. I reminded myself that walking in obedience is a sweet smelling aroma to the Lord. After all, His Word says He desires obedience over sacrifices (paraphrase 1 Sam. 15:22).
This is just an example of the Holy Spirit working in me to sanctify me. Each day I become more like Christ. True, some days I do better than others, but I stand on the promise of God that He who began a good work in me will finish it until completion (paraphrase Phil. 1:6). This race we’re running isn’t a sprint, it’s a marathon, and thank God that the Holy Spirit is directing every step we take. How far has God brought you in your walk? Is there evidence of sanctification? – Crystal