When Penny and I left Oro Bible College, we knew we were facing a major transition in our lives and ministries. In this passage, Israel transitions - moving from the getting out of Egypt narratives to the remainder of Exodus. From now on, the focus is on getting Egypt out of the Israelites. In the first section, God moved in response to the outcry of the oppressed Israelites. Now, God sends the invitation. In essence, he says to his children, "It's your move now." He invites his people to be holy - dedicated to him. He has made them a nation. Now he invites each person in that nation to be more. He is holy, and he seeks that same attribute of character.
The Holy Spirit is given to believers so that we can accept his invitation. He will be there in us, so that we can become the sanctified saints that the Father wants us to be. He will also empower us to reach out to others.
Holy Spirit, we welcome you into our lives. Help us to respond to our Father's invitation to be holy like him, and to reach out to others in his name.
Jefferson Vann, Auckland, New Zealand
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