"And Joshua said unto the people, Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you." (Josh 3:5) "Speak to all the congregation of the sons of Israel and say to them, 'You shall be holy, for I the LORD your God am holy." (Leviticus 19:2) Playing host to an important personality can be very challenging. The pressure of deciding what to serve, when to receive them, how to receive them, what to do, what not to do - these all could be very demanding and consuming. Playing host to God is no different, there are preparations to be made..
I see what happens when a political figure visits a city. Few months ago, the Vice President, Prof. Osinbajo visited Abia State. The city was agog with reception events. Days before the D-day, there were committees and sub-committees. Meetings and meetings. Plans upon plans. Delegations and re-delegations. The preparation was excruciating and thorough as the state prepared for the visit of the second citizen of the country.
When people plan occasions, they make arrangements for the entertainment and comfort of their guest. They reserve special seats for their special guests and so on. All these goes to show that visitations are a very important aspect of our social lives. Sometimes, a visit is all it takes to make a difference.
Now, envision that God is coming to visit you anytime this month, as He has promised. What will your preparations be? Or rather - what are the preparations He wants you to make. Joshua spoke to the people of Israel on the eve of their glorious match into Jericho. He told them to prepare themselves for God's move, for God's visit, for the arrival of God's presence. His message was simple - purify yourself.
God will only visit those who have purified themselves; those who have removed their sins and made their ways straight. Sin will keep God away from you. As long as you continue to dabble in your secret sin, God will not come to you. He said "Be holy because I am holy"
This month as you await His glorious visitation, there is one condition you must keep to - holiness. Without holiness, no one shall see God. God will only come to those who have sanctified themselves. So prepare yourself!