Isaiah 4:3 Those who are left in Zion, who remain in Jerusalem, will be called holy, all who are recorded among the living in Jerusalem. (NIV)
Commentary had a very interesting section on this verse, specifically about the idea of being called holy and what it does and does not mean. Far too often, I think, when we feel we have reached “holy,” we end up acting “holier than thou,” looking down on anyone who doesn’t live up to our ideal of holy.
Isaiah 4:3 All who remain in Zion will be a holy people— those who survive the destruction of Jerusalem and are recorded among the living. (NLT)
To be holy, according to commentary, means “…a life, a heart, a mind, and a body that is genuinely separated to the LORD. It is a life lived apart from the thinking and heart of this world….” To be holy is to keep striving, keep seeking, keep trying to draw closer to our Savior. It is not without blemish, but when the falls and snares and struggles do come, holy brushes itself off, learns the lesson, and keeps moving forward toward Christ.
Isaiah 4:3 Whoever remains in Zion and whoever is left in Jerusalem will be called holy—all in Jerusalem who are recorded among the living. (BSB)
Lord, Thank You for this day and this scripture. Thank You for this look at holy. I want more than anything to be set apart for You, to live apart from this fleshly world. Holy doesn’t seem something I’m even capable of achieving, Lord, but striving to draw closer, shaking off the muck, learning, and continuing to draw closer to You, that is something I can absolutely do. Help me, Lord. Amen.
Isaiah 4:3 Everyone who is left in Jerusalem, whom God has chosen for survival, will be called holy. (GNT)
Have a blessed day.