20060310
    Being set apart is an important aspect of the story of our faith. The Israelites were set apart from all other people by being sealed to God’s covenant. From the Israelites, the tribe of Levi was set apart to assist Aaron and his sons as the priests of the One, True God. Even the clans of Levi were set apart, each to a specific task in the service of the Lord.
    As faithful Christians, we too are set apart as the children of the Second Covenant. We are set apart as bought by the blood of our Savior as a new priesthood of all believers. We are redeemed, and that makes us different from all other people. We are known as different because the work of the Spirit within us causes us to approach life differently. We act differently. We approach life differently. We look at death differently.
    For this reason, we must never forget the outward signs of our faith. We are set apart, and that covenant creates our first witness to those who do not share our faith. Because we are different, others will notice, and that notice gives us the chance to witness to the Gospel that saves.
DLH
