1 Chronicles 29:5 The gold for things of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers… The New Version reads, "Who then offereth willingly to consecrate himself this day unto the Lord." This preferable reading suggests the theme of self consecration to God. I. WHAT THIS CONSECRATION INVOLVES. A man may consecrate many things to God and yet not consecrate himself. God does not value s man's money, time, talents, if he withholds himself. Consecration of self involves — 1. The heart. This is the seat of our affections, the love of our nature, end the fountain from which flows everything that constitutes the character. "Give me thine heart." 2. The body. The body as well as the soul is the temple of God (1 Corinthians 6:15, 19; Ephesians 5:30). Self-consecration covers our whole being — body, soul, and spirit. It will also embrace our time, talents, wealth. II. THE CLAIM WHICH GOD HAS TO THIS SELF-CONSECRATION. His claim results — 1. From His love. God loves us. The love of a father constitutes a claim to the love of a dutiful son, how much more to the love of a prodigal son. 2. From the way in which God has consecrated or sanctified Himself for us. "He gave Himself for me." 3. He asks our self-consecration to His service because it is the best thing we can do for ourselves. III. THIS SELF-CONSECRATION IS IMMEDIATE DUTY. 1. It is a great mistake for any to withhold self-consecration because they are too young. It is easier to be pure, and truthful, and loving, and diligent in the service of God when young than it will be to practise those virtues when old, if you have neglected them when young. The habits formed by a life of sin and neglect of God are like iron chains that you cannot easily break. Many who once said they were too young are now saying they are too old. 2. The sooner you commence to serve God the more you will be able to accomplish. 3. The present may be your only opportunity. We have been speaking specially to the young; but this is also a word for the aged. It is a delightful thing to see the young decide for Christ, but it is a sad thing to see the parents left behind. I was deeply impressed with this one day. I was on a visit close to the east coast where so many wrecks had recently taken place; among them was a vessel at the mouth of the Tyne. It was Christmas day, and on the pier among the crowd of spectators stood the son of the captain, watching and waiting for his father; for he was expected to be at home on that festive day. Probably as they gazed at each other a violent sea struck the vessel, and it sunk with all hands — wrecked within sight of port and within sight of friends. Parents, are there none of your children who have decided for Christ, and are standing on the Rock and looking out and expecting you home? Shall they see you wrecked within sight of port? (Absalom Clarke.) Parallel Verses KJV: The gold for things of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and for all manner of work to be made by the hands of artificers. And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD? |
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