Daily Manna
Total Consecration
Wednesday, November 22, 2023
Key Verse
“And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul” (Deuteronomy 10:12).
TEXT — Deuteronomy 10:12-22
Message
There were two artists, close friends: one excelled in landscape painting and the other in depicting the human body. The former had painted a picture in which wood and rock and sky were combined in the artist’s best manner. But the picture remained unsold – no one cared to buy it; it did not meet expectations. The artist’s friend came and said, “Let me take your painting”. A few days later he brought it back. He had added a lovely human figure to the matchless landscape. Soon, the picture was sold. It had lacked the interest of life.
Moses recounted to Israel God’s expectations. Israel was required by the Lord to fear Him, walk in His ways, love and serve Him with all their heart and soul. This, they were to do, by keeping the commandments and statutes with hearts circumcised by the Lord. In summary, God demanded total consecration from Israel.
There are some people whose Christianity lacks total commitment. It is only landscape: outward worship and needs living consecration to make it complete. These are Christians who compare their lives to Bible characters who failed God. They make excuses for their weaknesses and failures. Whilst the laws were written on stones in the Old Testament, today, the laws are written in our hearts by God. Thus, as believers, our consecration must be unquestionable.
Just as God told Israel how to serve Him in total consecration, the same call comes to all believers today. His standard has not changed. Our consecration is not merely for Sunday service but should manifest itself in every phase of life. Are you one of those believers who resist and refuse to submit to the divine will whenever it appears to oppose your personal will? Living in total obedience to the word of God is the only way to meet His standard.
Thought for the day
The Christian life is dictated by God’s standard.
BIBLE
in one year
EZEKIEL 39 – 42
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