Topical Bible: Dedication: Illustrated of Devotedness to God

◄ Dedication: Illustrated of Devotedness to God ►

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Definition and Context

Dedication, in the biblical sense, refers to the act of setting apart or consecrating something or someone for a sacred purpose, often signifying a deep commitment and devotedness to God. This concept is woven throughout the Scriptures, illustrating the importance of wholehearted devotion and the setting apart of one's life, possessions, or time for the service and glory of God.

Old Testament Examples

1. The Dedication of the Tabernacle and Temple: The dedication of sacred spaces is a prominent theme in the Old Testament. In Exodus 40, Moses dedicates the Tabernacle, anointing it and all its furnishings, signifying its holiness and purpose for worship. Similarly, in 1 Kings 8, Solomon dedicates the Temple in Jerusalem, offering prayers and sacrifices, and invoking God's presence: "When Solomon finished praying this entire prayer and petition to the LORD, he got up from before the altar of the LORD, where he had been kneeling with his hands spread out toward heaven" (1 Kings 8:54).

2. The Nazarite Vow: The Nazarite vow, as described in Numbers 6, is a personal dedication to God, marked by abstinence from wine, not cutting one's hair, and avoiding contact with the dead. This vow illustrates a voluntary and temporary dedication to God, emphasizing personal holiness and separation for divine purposes.

3. Hannah's Dedication of Samuel: In 1 Samuel 1, Hannah dedicates her son Samuel to the Lord in gratitude for answering her prayer for a child. She declares, "I now dedicate the boy to the LORD. For as long as he lives, he is dedicated to the LORD" (1 Samuel 1:28). Samuel's life of service as a prophet and judge in Israel exemplifies the fruit of such dedication.

New Testament Examples

1. Jesus' Dedication: In Luke 2, Jesus is presented at the Temple, in accordance with the Law of Moses, signifying His dedication to God from infancy. This act fulfills the requirement of consecrating the firstborn male to the Lord, as stated in Exodus 13:2.

2. The Early Church: The early Christians demonstrated dedication through communal living and devotion to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. Acts 2:42 states, "They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer" . This lifestyle reflects a collective commitment to God and each other.

3. Paul's Life and Ministry: The Apostle Paul exemplifies personal dedication through his missionary journeys and epistles. In Philippians 3:8, he expresses his commitment: "More than that, I count all things as loss compared to the surpassing excellence of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ" .

Theological Significance

Dedication in the Bible underscores the call to holiness and the setting apart of one's life for God's purposes. It involves a conscious decision to prioritize God's will above personal desires, reflecting a heart fully committed to His service. This devotedness is not merely external but stems from an internal transformation and a desire to honor God in all aspects of life.

Practical Application

Believers today are encouraged to live lives of dedication, offering themselves as "living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God" (Romans 12:1). This involves daily choices to pursue righteousness, engage in worship, and serve others, embodying the principles of dedication seen throughout Scripture.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 119:38
Establish your word to your servant, who is devoted to your fear.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Christian Devotedness, Etc.
... is to prove that such a Dedication is invariably ... other, is strongly enforced, and
beautifully illustrated by St ... owing to an enlarged view of devotedness to God ...
/.../groves/christian devotedness/christian devotedness etc.htm

Particular Index of Subjects.
... death, view of, 534, 537. devotedness of, 341, 342. ... universal warning of, 531.
Dedication of children, 665, 669. ... his providence illustrated in nature, 173. ...
/.../adams/hymns for christian devotion/particular index of subjects.htm

The Evangelical Revival.
... of fact and common sense,' the dedication of which is ... spiritual-mindedness of this
man of God, he could ... beautiful traits of his character was illustrated on one ...
/.../chapter ix the evangelical revival.htm