The Journey of Dedication

Taught by Annie
Notes by Linda

Today Annie continued our journey through the book of Nehemiah, concentrating on Nehemiah 12:27-47. This passage opens with the dedication of the temple – but not only the temple – the walls and entire city of Jerusalem! “At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from where they lived and were brought to Jerusalem to celebrate joyfully the dedication with songs of thanksgiving and with the music of cymbals, harps and lyres” (Neh. 12:27).

Annie asked us to picture this scene. Hundreds of people would be walking along the top of the walls. They were joyfully singing and celebrating. This was a huge deal! Annie asked us why this was so….what was the point of the celebrations? She reminded us that God is not a building or any physical structure so why would physical objects be blessed?

Annie drew a parallel to the Israelites actions in this passage to the upcoming dedication of our own church building (June 18th – be there!!!). Some of the reasons the class gave as a occasion for dedication: as a witness to others, because God is a god of celebrations, thankfulness, and so it would be set apart as holy for the Lord’s use. She asked us if the building on Vanderburg Road was ours. Annie stressed that we are stewards of this building that God has entrusted to us. We need to respect it as such. We need to obey the rules set down by our pastors and leadership in regard to our building (i.e. no coffee in the sanctuary). We were asked to give some examples of things that we dedicate to the Lord. A few of the responses are as follows: our time, things that we fast from, our marriages, and our children.

The definition of dedicate is to set apart, consecrate to a deity or a sacred purpose, to devote wholly and earnestly – as to some purpose or person. Annie stressed that ‘to devote wholly and earnestly’ would mean to do it with everything you’ve got. She likened dedication to a vow. You are fully giving that thing over to the Lord, letting go of personal control or ownership. We also need to carefully consider what it is that we are dedicating to the Lord. “It is a trap for a man to dedicate something rashly and only later to consider his vows” (Proverbs 20:25). Annie also stressed the seriousness of keeping a vow we have made to the Lord. “When a man makes a vow to the LORD or takes an oath to obligate himself by a pledge, he must not break his word but must do everything he said” (Numbers 30:2).

Going back to the book of Nehemiah, the Israelites were setting apart the city of Jerusalem to be holy to the Lord. Annie asked us what god would want us to set apart to Him. The answer is found in Romans 12:1, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship”. “So what does this look like in our daily lives?”, Annie asked us. According to 1 Corinthians 6:19, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own”. If our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit then we need to care for it as such.

There is a physical component of this care. It could include the following: eating healthy, taking care of your self (i.e. regular physicals from a doctor, exercising, refraining from harmful habits (i.e. smoking), and remembering to take prescribed medication. Annie stressed that consecrating our bodies goes much deeper than its physical care. We also need to consider the things we do with our physical bodies. Our minds, hearts, thoughts, words, and desires need to be set apart to the Lord. Our bodies and all that we are need to be conformed to His ways, according to His word. Another thing Annie mentioned was taking heed of the talents God has entrusted us with and using them for His service.

Dedicating our bodies to the Lord does not mean that we need to be perfect. It means that we need to be aware. We need to be aware of our thoughts. We need to be aware of the shows we watch and the books we read. Annie warned that we could be in danger of being desensitized if we expose ourselves. An example was given about being in a secular book club that was discussing a book that was contrary to our values. While this is something that could cause us to stumble we could also use it to be an opportunity to share our Christian beliefs.

Annie concluded her lesson by showing us how the Israelites dedicated Jerusalem. From Nehemiah 12:27 we see that they did it joyfully, with thanksgiving and music. They also did it by giving portions. “At that time men were appointed to be in charge of the storerooms for the contributions, first fruits and tithes. From the fields around the towns they were to bring into the storerooms the portions required by the Law for the priests and the Levites, for Judah was pleased with the ministering priests and Levites” (Neh. 12:44). Lastly, they did it through purification. “They performed the service of their God and the service of purification, as did also the singers and gatekeepers, according to the commands of David and his son Solomon” (Neh. 12:45).

Annie left us with a challenge of dedication in our own lives. As we approach Easter she asked each of us to dedicate a certain area of our lives to the Lord. A few of the areas suggested were: gossip, negative thoughts, complaining, and laziness. She suggested that as we do this, we do it with thanksgiving, and joy. We should dedicate a portion of our time as we meditate and pray about our re-dedication. We want to purify our hearts through prayer and repentance.

Following is a copy of the vow Annie had given us. Take some time to pray and see where the Lord leads you. If you would like, you are invited to leave your area of dedication as a comment here.

I __________________ on this day, March 23, 2011, rededicate and consecrate my body to the Lord in the area of _______________________ with thanksgiving and joy! I will set aside portions of time to honor this dedication and to purify my heart with prayer and repentance.