A Consecrated Calling
Friday, January 3
1 Kings 13:1-2 (NKJV)
“And behold, a man of God went from Judah to Bethel by the word of the LORD, and Jeroboam stood by the altar to burn incense. Then he cried out against the altar by the word of the LORD, and said, “O altar, altar! Thus says the LORD: ‘Behold, a child, Josiah by name, shall be born to the house of David; and on you he shall sacrifice the priests of the high places who burn incense on you, and men’s bones shall be burned on you.’ ”
Devotion
The word consecration means to dedicate a person or thing to be sacred, separating it from secular use and making it holy. It can also mean a religious or secular action that indicates a strong commitment to a purpose. In today’s passage we learn of a man named Josiah, who was consecrated 344 years prior to becoming king.
At the age of 8 Josiah became king, at the age of 16 he had the books of Genesis through Deuteronomy read to him from the scrolls, which ignited his faith in God, and at age 23 he burned the bones of Jeroboam which was also prophesied 344 years prior to his ascension as king. There seems to be a parallel in the meaning of the word along with the actions of the consecrated one being Josiah.
Josiah’s consecration was two-fold. He was not only consecrated by the prophet, but he also consecrated himself. In his message on Sunday titled
“The Ripple Effect of Consecration”, Pastor Franklin said that years ago a person consecrated him, but then it was himself who went forward, received, and committed to the calling.
Are our hearts open to the fact that we were at one time consecrated by a person or by God and we ignored the call? Our God is a loving God and allows us many times throughout our lives to answer that call.
While we are being open to God’s consecration in our lives, let us be the ones who are laying down a consecration for the generations to come. That these consecrated individuals will do better than our current generation. That they will be more aggressive in their walk, that they be more confident in their love for God and people, and that they take a bold unashamed stand for what the Word of God says and for the love that only God can provide.
Today’s Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I come humbly before You today and present myself as a living sacrifice to become holy and acceptable to You. I ask that You lead and guide me as I lean into You and learn from Your Word. Show me the people who can guide me in my journey to a consecrated life in You. I offer You praise for taking my hand and guiding me in this journey. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
Romans 12:1 says, “Present yourself as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God.” Likewise, consecration is a crucial act of the Christian will to divine sanctification. Consecration is not just about personal holiness but extends to all aspects of daily life. What areas of your life do you need to sacrifice and consecrate to God? Hold His hand and start your journey.
Resources:
- Watch the message, “Getting Back To The Word Of God”, and be encouraged to live a consecrated life as unto God.
- Read 2 Kings chapter 22 and 23 for an in-depth look at King Josiah's life, his reforms, and how he fulfilled the prophecy by cleansing the land of idolatry and restoring worship to God.