Set Apart by God’s Blessings (Audio)

2021-08-08

In the classic Aussie movie, The Castle, whenever Darryl Kerrigan receives a valued gift, he declares: “This is going straight to the pool room!” Along with trophies and photos of special moments, he was setting that item apart from everyday use. I remember as a child, we had a glass display cabinet with my mum’s china cups, saucers and side plates. We were not allowed to use them. When mum had a dear friend or close relative visiting, she would get out the china tea set. We kids

In the classic Aussie movie, The Castle, whenever Darryl Kerrigan receives a valued gift, he declares: “This is going straight to the pool room!” Along with trophies and photos of special moments, he was setting that item apart from everyday use.

I remember as a child, we had a glass display cabinet with my mum’s china cups, saucers and side plates. We were not allowed to use them. When mum had a dear friend or close relative visiting, she would get out the china tea set. We kids never drank or ate from them. They were set apart for a special purpose – and brought out to honour special guests.

I wonder what precious items have you’ve set apart as special? It might be something sentimental, perhaps an heirloom. Or it might be the prized item in a collection. Or it could be something you’ve made or restored.

Paul writes: “God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes” (Eph 1:4 NLT) To be “made holy” is to be set apart from what is common and unclean, from the sin and evil that defiles us. To be “made holy” by God is to become his precious possession. Because of what Jesus has done for us, God has set you and me apart for a special purpose.

Our calling is to live out our new identity in “holy living”. This does not mean isolating in a “glass display cabinet”, church building, or holy huddle. Instead, we pray and look for ways to bring the presence of Jesus into every encounter. That way, others can come to know Jesus – and also share in God’s blessings.

Sure there are things we cannot participate in as followers of Jesus. But that doesn’t mean we stop connecting with people and looking for ways to listen, encourage, help or bless them.

This Sunday we are going to unpack God’s bagful of blessings that are ours “in Christ”. If your relationship with God needs a “shot in the arm”, come along and be reminded of who you are in Christ, whose you are in Christ, the purpose God has for you in Christ, and the destiny that is yours in Christ.

Joy in Jesus!
Pr Rolly Stahl

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