Ezekiel 45:1–46:24; Revelation 22:1–21; Job 39:11–23
When we think of setting things apart for God, we usually think of money first. But what about our time or even a place? Ezekiel 45:1 speaks of setting aside land for God: “And when you allocate the land as an inheritance, you shall provide a contribution for Yahweh as a holy portion from the land, its length being twenty-five thousand cubits and its width ten thousand cubits; it is holy in all its territory, all around” (Ezek 45:1).
We’re comfortable with the idea of donating money; we recognize that others need our help and our churches need our support. But there are other reasons for giving. Giving itself is a righteous and perhaps sacred act. It forces us to acknowledge that all we have belongs to God—He is the provider. Giving puts us in right standing before God in a powerful way.
Similarly, allocating time and space to God helps us understand our place before Him. When we designate a particular time for God, or a particular place for meeting Him—such as a prayer room or a particular chair to sit in when we pray—we acknowledge that He deserves a special place in our lives.
Like giving, setting aside these times and places can help us glimpse what our relationship with God is meant to be. It gives us an opportunity to envision a better future fueled by a relationship with God. It gives us the energy (and the reminder) we need to follow God’s will. Giving helps us see how things can and will be (e.g., Rev 22:1–3).
What should you set apart for God?
JOHN D. BARRY
John D. Barry and Rebecca Kruyswijk, Connect the Testaments: A One-Year Daily Devotional with Bible Reading Plan (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012).
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