reflections

8/09

Willing Offering “Now, who is willing to consecrate himself unto the Lord this day?” 1 Chronicles 29:5b That is the question. Simple to read! But simple to do? Perhaps it’s a bit easier to give an offering of some cherished item, to give willingly our money, our possessions, our time. It is often necessary to go through the process of consecration with “willingly” offering “things”. But that is not the question. “Who will consecrate himself?” David had given his life ‘and’ his possessions for the preparation of the temple of the Lord. He was not the one to build this great House. Solomon, his son, was the chosen. Yet David assembled the people of Israel and challenged them with “willing involvement”. The question came from the Spirit of the Lord within him... and they responded by giving gifts and by giving themselves “freely and wholeheartedly to the Lord for His purposes.” David prayed, thanking and praising God for the generosity of the people. “I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity.” (I Chron. 29:17). I once heard a story of a little boy who was so upset because he did not have any money to put in the offering plate. Tears began to come from his eyes as the plate came closer. For even a penny would be better than nothing. Then as the plate came down his row, a thought came to his mind and a smile lit up his face. He took the plate set it on the floor and stepped right in the center. Are we giving our gifts, and more importantly are we giving ourselves to the service of building the Temple of the Lord? The Lord does not dwell in a building made of stone, but in the hearts of men, women, and children. Are we not His Temple? Is the Body of Christ not His dwelling place? In addition, many have yet to hear and receive the Truth. Backsliders are to return. As we willingly consecrate ourselves to the Lord and allow Him to use us to build up, edify, and strengthen others, His Temple is established. He is once again about to invade the Temple with His glorious presence. David finished his prayer with these words, “I have seen with joy how willingly your people who are here have given to you. Keep this desire in the hearts of your people forever, and keep their hearts loyal to you.” Daily consecrate yourself unto His service. It has yet to be seen what God can do in and through a life “completely” surrendered to Him. Only Jesus is our true example and our Chief Cornerstone. Pastor Sharon Carlson