“Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” — John 17:17

Exodus 19 marks a pivotal moment in Israel’s history — a moment when God calls His people into a deeper, covenant-based relationship. The Israelites, now encamped at Mount Sinai, were invited into a process of sanctification, a setting apart for God’s glory and purpose.

God’s desire wasn’t just to rescue Israel but to transform them into a holy people, a special treasure, through whom the world would know Him. His glory, declared throughout the earth, would be revealed through a people sanctified by His truth.

What Sanctification Looked Like for Israel

In Exodus 19, we see what it meant for Israel to be set apart:

• A Special Treasure:
  God reminds Israel of how He redeemed them:
  “You have seen what I did to the Egyptians and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.” (v. 4)
  They were valuable, chosen, and deeply loved by God.
• A Kingdom of Priests:
  Israel’s calling was not just to enjoy relationship with God but to become mediators of His grace to the nations — a kingdom of priests representing God to the world.
• A Holy Nation:
  God’s desire was for Israel to live differently, to reflect His holiness in a world filled with sin and idolatry.
• God’s Glory, for All the Earth:
  Although Israel was His chosen people, God makes it clear: “…for all the earth is mine.” (v. 5)
  Israel was chosen to serve a global purpose — that through them, all nations might know and glorify God.

The Message of Sanctification

Sanctification begins with remembering what God has done: “See what I have done…” (vv. 4-6). Redemption sets the stage for transformation. But there’s also a call:

• “Now if you will…”
  • Carefully listen to Me.
  • Keep My covenant.

This covenant was more than law; it was a commitment to relationship and obedience, with clear consequences for disobedience or blessing for faithfulness.

The People’s Response: A Yes with Much to Learn

Israel responded with sincerity — “We will do all that the Lord has spoken” (v. 8). Their “yes” positioned them for a deeper relationship with God. And God responded:

“I will come… that the people may hear Me speak.” (v. 9)

Hearing from God would develop faith and trust — but sanctification would require more than awe; it would require obedience to His Word.

The Necessity of Sanctification

Exodus 19 reminds us: outward displays of God’s power (thunder, lightning, earthquakes) were not enough to keep the people obedient. Only the Word could do that.

Even after seeing wonders, Israel would later cast off restraint and turn to idolatry. Why? Because the Word of God — not merely the wonders of God — is what sanctifies and sustains us.

Sanctification in Your Life

The same truth applies to us today.

We are sanctified by the Word of God.
“Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” (John 17:17)

Christ sanctifies His church, cleansing us by the washing of the Word (Ephesians 5:25-27).

We are called to live by the Spirit, not by the desires of the flesh.
“God has from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.” (2 Thessalonians 2:13)

We are called to live pure, honorable lives.
“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you should abstain from fornication; that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor.” (1 Thessalonians 4:3-4)

We are called to show forth His praise.
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” (1 Peter 2:9-10)

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Final Thoughts

Sanctification isn’t just about following rules — it’s about being set apart for God’s purpose. It’s about allowing His Word to cleanse, transform, and guide us into a deeper relationship with Him.

The question for us today is the same as it was for Israel: “What will you choose to do and be?”

Let’s choose daily to be sanctified by His truth and walk in His marvelous light.