Tsadik צ
The letter Tsadik צ (or Tsade) has a numeric value of 90 and is the 18th letter of the Hebrew alphabet. The pictograph looks somewhat like a man on his side, symbolizing need. The letter is also sometimes called Tzadik which means righteous person.
Tsadik צ Prayer Focus: God’s Righteousness!
If you say the word “sanctification” to most people, you might as well be speaking Hebrew! As we focused on keeping it simple yesterday, the concept of sanctification is one of those things that can be over complicated.
One of the compound names of God in Hebrew is Yahweh Tzidkaynu, which contains the letter name of Tsadik צ. That name for God literally means The Ever Existent One Our Righteousness. It is used twice in the book of Jeremiah. References are below.
To understand the word sanctification we must understand that all goodness, all righteousness (rightness) comes from God. God is the one and only – exclusively unique in all the universe. That uniqueness sets God apart from everything and everyone else. The word “Holy” speaks of that uniqueness as being set apart.
From our perspective, sanctification is also a uniqueness – a condition of being set apart. There could be no righteousness apart from God. When God’s rightness, His righteousness, is evident in our lives – that’s how we become “set apart” or sanctified.
Imagine a surgeon who needs a scalpel. The tools He uses are sanitized and set aside, ready for use. Sanctification is like that. It’s God’s righteousness revealed in our lives so that we are set apart and can be used to accomplish His will.
You can’t earn or deserve God’s righteousness. You can’t get there through self-discipline or rule keeping. It’s only by faith! When we ask the Father for His goodness, it’s the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives that does the work – not our efforts.
And what should be the results of that sanctification? God’s righteousness – in us and through us. And Jesus reveals what that should look like.
Matthew 5:14-16 (NLT)
14 “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. 15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
Our good works aren’t ours – or they couldn’t be good! God works through us to set us apart, make us Holy – by HIS Righteousness. Today let’s pray that God’s Righteousness be revealed in us, to shine the light in this world of darkness!
Here are some scriptures to meditate on as we pray together:
(mouse over or click the scripture references)
Jeremiah 23:5-6, 33:16 | Proverbs 18-19 | Isaiah 58:6-8 |
Ephesians 6:8-10 | Philippians 4:12-15 | James 1:17-18
Section צ of Psalm 119
Psalms 119:137-144 (NET) צ (Tsade)
137 You are just, O LORD,
and your judgments are fair.
138 The rules you impose are just,
and absolutely reliable.
139 My zeal consumes me,
for my enemies forget your instructions.
140 Your word is absolutely pure,
and your servant loves it!
141 I am insignificant and despised,
yet I do not forget your precepts.
142 Your justice endures,
and your law is reliable.
143 Distress and hardship confront me,
yet I find delight in your commands.
144 Your rules remain just.
Give me insight so that I can live.