The king of Assyria was furious. Hezekiah, Judah’s king, had rebelled against him. The Assyrian king sent a messenger with a to-the-point memo, “Say to Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the great king, the king of Assyria: On what do you rest this trust of yours? Do you think that mere words are strategy and power for war? In whom do you now trust, that you have rebelled against me’” (2 Kings 18:19-20)?

When Hezekiah heard the message, he began to pray. Through the prophet Isaiah, God sent his own memo back to the king of Assyria.

2 Kings 19:22
Whom have you mocked and reviled? Against whom have you raised your voice
and lifted your eyes to the heights? Against the Holy One of Israel!

Isaiah reminded the pompous king of Assyria that God was Qedosh Yisrael—the Holy One of Israel. How dare the king of Assyria challenge the Holy One of Israel!

The name Qedosh Yisrael describes the uniqueness of God. He is holy—set apart from all things. Through Christ, God makes us holy (Hebrews 10:10). That is our position in Christ.  And it is also to be our practice. Peter reminded believers not to give in to evil desires. “But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy’” (1 Peter 1:15-16). Think about it—The Holy One has made us holy through Jesus and dwells in us so we can live a life set apart for him.

Heavenly Father,
There is no one like you. You are unique, set apart, and separated from evil. Thank you for making me holy through the work of Jesus. I know you call me to not give in to my evil desires. I need your help, strength, and power. And I need your forgiveness for my failures. Help me live a holy life set apart for you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.