Set Apart

 Do you know someone who keeps chickens?  

This is becoming a thing for people who are not necessarily farmers. My sister had chickens at one time, housing them in a pen affectionately called Cluckinghen Palace, and the chickens were named after British royalty. She kept them in chicken treats; they kept her in eggs.

My roommate at the time was immediately grossed out about me bringing home eggs from my sister's backyard. It was probably the closer consideration of the "delivery system," and the possible residue left from said delivery. 

I chuckled at this, because every single egg comes from a chicken in exactly the same way!  Regardless, she set her eggs bought at a store apart from my eggs, which came from my sister's backyard. She was definitely not interested in using any of my eggs that came from chickens.

I couldn't miss the analogy of being "set apart" and our relationship with God.  It begins before birth, as Jeremiah 1:5 says, "I knew you before I formed you in your mother's womb.  Before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as my prophet to the nations." (NLT) 

God sets us apart - "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine." (Isaiah 43:1, ESV) We are already named into a special population - "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (I Peter 2:9, NKJV)

We are already set apart, and we are in a special, VIP group.  Because we are set apart, the Bible has some instructions, like an instruction manual for VIPs.  

God says to be so much about following God, fellowshipping with other believers, reading the bible, and talking to God that your whole mind is set up to follow God and fulfill your purpose for being set apart.  Your mind will literally be renewed.  You can discern what is the will of God for your life, your work, and your family.  

You'll also be able to go through tough times with the security and peace that God brings.  Isaiah 43:2 tells us that God said, " When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown.  When  you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you." Did you read that carefully?  When we walk through the fire of oppression, we will not be crispy critters.  That means we walk through and are NOT touched by fire. 

I'm just reading God's promises. He is the ONE that delivers!

So how are we set apart?  Romans 12: 1-2 (NIV) says: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God-this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is-his good, pleasing, and perfect will."

1.  Accept God's mercy, his plan for your salvation. 

2. Offer up your life.  Read the  Bible and apply it to your life.  Talk to God for real about your relationship with him and let him know what's on your mind.  Live like you love Jesus and not yourself.  

3. Because you offer up your life, God literally changes your mind and the way you think.  So when tough times come your way, you rely on God. God answers prayer, and you are a living witness to how God is totally amazing and answers completely and abundantly, more than what we know to ask.

What does this look like?  I saw this funny cartoon that applies:

So, not gonna lie, the Christian walk is not a linear path to heaven. But the good news is that God is with you every step of the way.  

So set yourself apart.  You were born to it, you are made for it, and God is totally at your side.

Respond:

1. What evidence is there in your life that you are set apart?

2.  How do you feel that you can live in this world, yet be set apart?

3.  Write out the story of how you met Jesus and decided to be a follower of Jesus Christ, believing in his resurrection.

Let's pray!

God, your provision for us is so exceedingly good and generous.  Thank you that we have been set apart and for establishing us as a special group.  Help us to pursue you.  Help us to set aside things that keep us from pursuing you. You are holy and great, and your name is above every other name.  Thank you that you are with us during oppression and walk us through the fire unscathed.  Put in us a desire to be set apart and to pursue your holiness.  Because you are so good, we praise your name and ask all of this in the holy name of Jesus, Amen.