Article June 20, 1959 Issue

"SANCTIFY YOURSELVES"

ROBERT J. HIGHLAND

When the Lord directed Samuel to fill a horn with oil and find a successor to King Saul, the prophet was fearful that Saul would kill him. But his inspired consciousness received the message (I Sam. 16:2), "Take an heifer with thee, and say, I am come to sacrifice to the Lord." Therefore, when questioned by the elders upon his arrival in Bethlehem, Samuel declared, "I am come to sacrifice unto the Lord: sanctify yourselves, and come with me to the sacrifice."

Following the ceremony of sanctification, or purification, he proceeded to carry out the purpose of his visit, which led to the elevation of David to the temporal and spiritual leadership of his people.

This episode presents a significant lesson for the right preparation of all human undertakings, particularly those which involve human relationships. The first step should always be to fill one's horn with oil and to sacrifice false belief, both of which purify.

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