Sanctified, mighty, rejoicing

Sanctified, mighty, rejoicing

Scripture:- I have commanded my sanctified ones, I have also called my mighty ones for mine anger, even them that rejoice in my highness. Isaiah 13:3

Observation:- Isaiah 13 depicts a prophecy of the coming wrath of God upon the world and upon Babylon in particular. The imagery is similar to the descriptions in the Book of Revelation - The darkness when sun and moon would not give light, the earth removed from its place, the coming of a large army to inflict great wrath on mankind, Babylon left desolate.

However, our verse today, verse 3 focuses on three characteristics of those who serve the Lord. Firstly, they are sanctified, secondly they are mighty, thirdly they rejoice in God.

What does it mean to be sanctified? To be sanctified means to be made holy, to be blessed, to be consecrated, to be set apart for God. When we received the Lord Jesus into our hearts, we became sanctified by the blood of Jesus Christ. We became included as part of God’s family, destined to reign with Him as priests and kings on the earth. A typical picture of being sanctified is the wearing of white clothes, made of fine linen, bright and clean. These are the robes of righteousness that Jesus has given us. We are clothed not with our own righteousness which are like filthy rags, but with the pure righteousness of Jesus, holy and perfect. We need to view ourselves that way, wearing Jesus’ righteousness!

Secondly, we are mighty! The Scripture says that we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. We are given a spirit of power. We have authority in the heavenly places over every power and principality because of the name of Jesus and His Spirit which is in us. Therefore we should not fear but recognize that we are mighty in God, yet gentle as lambs.

Finally, we rejoice in God! Thanksgiving and Praise to God should always be on our lips. In everything, give thanks! He who sacrifices thanks offerings prepares the way for me to show him the salvation of God – as declared by the Psalmist. Rejoicing in God is really so important.

Application: Look at ourselves as sanctified, wearing robes of righteousness. View ourselves as mighty in God, overcoming all things. Always have a heart of rejoicing, praising God and thanking God in everything.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you that I am sanctified and redeemed, and You have given me white clothes to wear, bright and clean. Thank You Lord, that in You, I am mighty and able to overcome all things. May my heart ever rejoice in You in every situation and praise You for Your goodness and love. In Jesus name, Amen.