Ah, yes, but how? As always, I struggle to answer. If you have been around church for very long, you have no doubt heard of the “baby dedication” ceremony. Alas. That term is a misnomer, because when your precious young ones grow up, they will inevitably make their own decisions about seeking to know the LORD. But in the meanwhile, we each want to dedicate ourselves to love the LORD with all of the strength we can muster, in our own mind, heart, and soul, and set a good example.
But what does it mean, to consecrate? When it comes to unusual and important words, I always go look them up in the dictionary. My favorite was published in 1828 by Noah Webster. I started with dedicate, but one of the first words in that definition is the word consecrate. So here goes.
Dedicate: To set apart and consecrate (con sacro) to a divine Being, or to a sacred purpose; to devote to a sacred use, by a solemn act, or by religious ceremonies; as, to dedicate vessels! treasures, a temple, an altar, or a church, to God or to a religious use.
2 Samuel 8 — …vessels of silver, of gold, and of brass, which king David did dedicate to the Lord…
Consecrate: To make or declare to be sacred, by certain ceremonies or rites; to appropriate to sacred uses; to set apart, dedicate, or devote, to the service and worship of God…
Exodus 29 – You shall consecrate Aaron and his sons…
Joshua 6 – All the silver, and gold, and vessels of brass and iron, are consecrated to the LORD.
Yes, the bible is quoted right there in Webster's original dictionary! We’ve come a long way since then…
If you would like to dedicate yourself, your baby, your child, teen-ager or anyone else, please let us know before Sunday morning so we will be ready, but of course all comers (even late arrivers) positively will be welcomed.