SET APART FOR WORSHIP
So I will make My holy name known among My people Israel and will no longer allow it to be profaned. Then the nations will know that I am the LORD, the Holy One in Israel. (Ezekiel 39:7, BSB)
‘Qadesh ‘is the primitive root word for ‘‘holy’’, Strong’s (6946). It is to be ‘holy’ and ‘set apart’. From this root word we have derivative words ‘kadosh, and Kadesh’. Usage of either will depend on the period of history, but they both mean ‘holy’. As christians, we understand being holy and set apart to be presenting one’s self exclusively to the service of God. Sanctified and anointed unto the Lord to render one’s service.
Under the Old Mosaic Order, the cleansing of the tabernacle utensils were scrupulously undertaken, as they were prepared and sanctified unto God. The requirements under the Mosaic Law stipulated that the priests and those chosen from the Levitical tribe be anointed to serve. They would dutifully attend solely to matters pertaining to temple worship. The Levites/priests were chosen to be set apart in holiness to render a hallowed and pure sacrifice. Every aspect of the ceremonial process and duties were undertaken with reverential fear and the condition of the heart was judged by YHWH Kadosh, the Holy One . “Speak to the whole congregation of Israel and tell them: Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.” (Leviticus 19:2, ESV)
The word ‘Qadesh’, is not entirely exclusive to christians who separate themselves for God’s service. ‘Qadesh’ is used also to denote being ‘set apart’ for service by other groups of worshippers. For instance, being set apart for service to pagan worship was practised in bible times. We have a scriptural reference to this practice. “He also tore down the quarters of the male shrine prostitutes that were in the house of the LORD, where the women had woven tapestries for Asherah.” (2 Kings 23:7, BSB). “There were even male shrine prostitutes in the land. They imitated all the abominations of the nations the LORD had driven out before the Israelites.” (1 Kings 14:24, BSB). They were called ‘Sodomites’, namely male temple prostitutes, who set themselves apart for unholy service to pagan gods.
Under the Mosaic Law, sodomy was deemed a pervasive indulgence. However, the practise of giving oneself exclusively to pagan worship thrived In bible times. We see here a scriptural reference as the practice is denounced by God. “No daughter or son of Israel is to be a shrine prostitute”. (Deuteronomy 23:17, BSB). It could not be condoned or have place alongside worship unto a Holy God. “What agreement can exist between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will dwell with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be My people. (17) “Therefore come out from among them and be separate, says the Lord. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you.” (2 Corinthians 6:16-17, BSB). God often likened His children to these abominations because spiritually Israel would engage in idolatry, indulging in these levels of profanity. It was tantamount to infidelity of the legal and binding relational covenant that God established with His chosen people.
Removing Pagan Altars
It was Hilkanah, the serving High Priest under King Josiah’s reign who found the lost Book of the Law. It was hidden amongst the rubble of the temple in Jerusalem that was destroyed under foreign occupation. What a treasure? The lost Book of the Law found after many years would have been a momentous day for Hilkanah and his peers. As the contents were poured out to King Josiah, it caused him much sorrow as he emotionally ‘rent his robes’ in contrition. On realising the depth of fallenness and departure from God’s Law the nation had plunged into he repented on behalf of the nation as king. Determined to cast down the images and symbols of paganism, King Josiah set about with fervour to return the nation to the Laws of God. The altars and relics of false gods were scattered on mounts across the city. They were dedicated to the indulgence of false worship including shrine prostitution. King Josiah in his repentant heart determined to tear them down and build a national altar to Jehovah God. “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; “(2 Corinthians 10:5, KJV )
To set oneself apart, devoting oneself to that unholy thing is another level of departure from truth. Scarcity of the pure, holy Word breeds the conditions conducive to debasing and giving oneself to false worship. A strategic call to repentance by King Josiah was the only appropriate response to pull back on national backsliding into destruction. “His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber…” (Isaiah 556:10,11, KJV). We are in the season for national, denominational and organisational leadership to take the lead in repentance and establishing a strategic call to worship unto Yahweh Kadosh.
Set Apart Vessels
When Jesus walked into the temple in Jerusalem, He would set a precedence for worship in the temple. In righteous indignation He overturned the tables of the money exchangers and drove out the business fraternity. “And He declared to them, “It is written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer.’ But you are making it ‘a den of robbers.'” (Matthew 21:13, BSB) Jesus was stirred to remove the unrighteous works conducted in His Father’s house. This verse relates and speaks of the inner temple that ‘Yahweh ‘Makom’, ‘God of the place’ would dwell in our earthly tabernacle. A building not made with hands but the sanctuary of the soul. Built in the spirit for God’s glory. A temple of praise and devotion unto God. “However, the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says:” (Acts 7:48, BSB). We are highly valued vessels consecrated unto God for His glory.. “For you must not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God” (Exodus 34:14, BSB. “I am the LORD; that is My name! I will not yield My glory to another or My praise to idols. (9) Behold, the former things have happened, and now I declare new things. Before they spring forth I proclaim them to you.” (Isaiah 42:8,9, BSB)
Under the Old Order if the priest and sons of the family of the priesthood and Levites were required to carry out their duties with deferential fear and awe unto God, how much more the servants under the Covenant of grace? The Lord seeks vessels, set apart for holy service to God. The people of God are required to come and prostate themselves in the temple of the heart. No longer can there be defilement of the order set by Yahweh Kadosh. Jesus will overturn in the sinful heart the order set by mankind for presumptuousness and rebellion.
The Old Order is being overturned, dismantled and destroyed. God is setting up a New Order for His Elect Body. This change order will usher in the closing chapter of this church age. The enormity of what is coming now cancels out the old order of religious works. The New Order will release a Spirit-order defined by love and compassion over religion and piousness.
GWENDOLYN SMITH. #NEWPENTECOST. 9 AUGUST 2020