Consecration

These thoughts are to encourage us to continue in a Year of Growth

There are several Hebrew words that are translated as “consecrate” in the King James Version of the Bible. One is usually rendered as “sanctify” and means, “To be clean; to make or pronounce as clean; to set apart.” Another is a combination of two Hebrew words that express a significant and unique idea in relation to consecration. The first word means, “To fill or to be full.” The second word is the common word for “hand.” Thus, consecration means to fill one’s hands.

In Exodus 28:42, this word refers to filling the priest’s hands with the service of the Tabernacle. As Hezekiah worked to restore the true worship of God in Judah, he used this word to remind the children of Israel that they had filled their hands with God and His worship; thus, they should bring sacrifices and offerings of thanksgiving (2 Chronicles 29:31). To have one’s hands filled with something symbolizes that this is the focus of one’s life. A priest is no longer focused on worldly things but on the service of God. A penitent Israelite is no longer focused on sin and wickedness but on the praise and worship of God.

Likewise, Christians should be consecrated to the Lord. Our hands should be filled with Jesus and His Gospel (cf. Hebrews 7:28; 10:20). However, many seem to think that one hand should hold on to the Lord while the other grasps the world.

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Matthew 6:24

With what is your mind filled (Philippians 4:8)? With what is your time filled (Ephesians 5:15-17)? With what is your heart filled (Matthew 22:37)? With what are your hands filled (James 4:8; Acts 20:34-35; Ephesians 4:28)?

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Matthew 6:19-21

When one becomes a Christian, he chooses to let go of everything that is against the will of God and that separates one from Jesus. The goal of the Christian life is to fill one’s heart and hands with the Lord and His Word. This growth requires both effort and discipline. The mature Christian exercises in spiritual growth (Hebrews 5:13-14). Will you do the same? Will you fill your hands with the righteousness of God?

Our series of daily devotionals – A Year of Growth – is designed to help us in this area. Our first focus has been on growing in faith. There is much more to follow. Commit yourself to daily growth as a Christian.

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