HOLINESS PART III
Blessings in the Mighty Name of Yeshua Hamashiach!
Ezekiel 36:21-23 AMPC
"But I had regard, concern, and compassion for My holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations to which they went. [22] Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord God: I do not do this for your sakes, O house of Israel, but for My holy name's sake, which you have profaned among the nations to which you went. [23] And I will vindicate the holiness of My great name and separate it for its holy purpose from all that defiles it–My name, which has been profaned among the nations, which you have profaned among them–and the nations will know, understand, and realize that I am the Lord [the Sovereign Ruler, Who calls forth loyalty and obedient service], when I shall be set apart by you and My holiness vindicated in you before their eyes and yours."
What is it that makes God great? Is it His great power, the fact that He is the creator, or that He is all-powerful? Scripture seems to teach that God’s greatness lies in His Holiness.
Ezekiel’s message applies just as much to us today. I now advocate for an open altar prior to any church service and/or a time of silent meditation. Actually, the service should not begin on a drumbeat from the worship team but on a call to silence for the congregation to prepare themselves for worship, to spend a period of time in confession before God to let Him cleanse any sin so when that drum beat hits no one will profane the holiness of God and the worship leader will not have to keep pressing the congregation with: “Come on church, start worshipping…” Once the blood of Jesus cleanses your sin, worship takes care of itself.
Shalom
Pastor Williams