Day 17: Consecrated

Now when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were completed, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord

“Consecrate to Me all the firstborn, whatever opens the womb among the children of Israel, both of man and beast; it is Mine.”

Luke 2:22

It’s quite simple really, the life of a disciple. It is a life consecrated to the Lord. It is a straightforward matter of presenting oneself before God, to do with what He will. Yet, why is it therefore so complicated? Why is the clamor for control of my life so strong? 

Pray a simple prayer, “Lord, do with me and move my life as you will. I release my desires and surrender everything I am and I have to you with open hands.” 

Immediately, your caveats may rise to the surface, “But don’t make me poor Lord, or take the life of my children, or humiliate me, or …” How many web-like strands, in truth, encumber our unreserved surrender? “Lord, make me a disciple, but don’t make me suffer, and keep my loved ones safe,” seems to be the authentic prayer of the American Christian heart. Yet, no such promises are extended to us from our Father. How hindered and unnatural have we made our discipleship? How entangled have we become by the strands of our unstated but conditional obedience? Indeed there is no category for conditional consecration afforded us! 

“Lord, undeceive me of my conditional surrenders to you. Purify my heart Oh Lord, that I might be fully consecrated, and thus fully fruitful in the work of your hands. Though my heart is clenched, I open my hands in trust to you. If I cannot open my hands and my loyalties are divided from you, be merciful to me and open them yourself. Amen.”