Walk in the Narrowsಮಾದರಿ

Chase holiness, make it your prize

A few years ago, Guy Ritchie produced an epic film called The Covenant. The film featured Jake Gyllenhaal and presented a new take on an old, maybe even forgotten word in contemporary society. The covenant in the film was a deep bond and agreement between two men; through war and chaos, the bond held in remarkable ways.

In the film, there is a line where Sergeant John Kinley (Jake Gyllenhaal) says, "There is a hook in me, one that you cannot see, but it is there". He is speaking about this covenant, this agreement, that is unseen but as real as being physically caught on a hook.

In the bible we can see a history of "covenants" running like a spine throughout scripture, between God and his men, his people, his nation and his creation. This is not something left in the Old Testament of the bible, Jesus himself is the new covenant, the rock-solid agreement that he is the way, the truth and life. Forgiveness of sin and a restored relationship with God the Father is open to us because of Jesus’ life, death, resurrection and ascension. It’s the new covenant.

Now, where does that story cross over into yours? Well, I want to suggest that you become a man who chases holiness, you make it a unique, secret and special place in your life. In today’s bible verse, Peter is referring back to Leviticus 11:44-45, 19:2, 20:7, and a concept and instruction to be consecrated, set apart.

So, I am suggesting you take on two things here, two terms. Firstly, a covenant, a hook in you, a deep agreement to keep something close to your heart and life. Secondly, consecration. To be set apart, to allow a work of consecration in your life.

In the last bible reading for today, Exodus 13:2, we step into some of this language and the movement I am trying to describe here. God brings instruction and closes it with a staggering proclamation: ‘It is mine!’ Ownership, signature, fingerprint. God claimed it as his.

If you want that over your life, make that movement to say, "I want holiness in my life, I want to covenant it and treasure it. I want to be consecrated, set apart, Lord, for your plan and purposes."

If I could go back 25 years, that’s where I would start.