Todays Meditation John 17:11-19 June 4, 2014 7th Week of Easter I consecrate myself for them, so that they also may be consecrated in truth. (John 17:19) Did you hear that? Take a moment right now to set aside all your other thoughts and concerns, and focus on this amazing truth. Jesus has consecrated himself for us! He, the holy, pure, righteous Son of God, has chosen to devote his entire life to you. Who could imagine such incredible love? We think about consecration in terms of being set apart—separated from common use and reserved for a sacred purpose. We think of a church as a consecrated building or a chalice as a consecrated cup. Or we think about a person who is dedicated solely to the service and worship of God—a priest or a religious brother or sister. We may occasionally think of ourselves as consecrated, too, as we try to separate ourselves from the world and serve God. In other words, we think of people or things that aren’t God being dedicated to God. But in today’s Gospel, Jesus turns the tables. He makes it clear that he considers each one of us to be completely worth his devotion and dedication. He willingly sets himself apart for us! Benjamin Franklin, the noted American thinker, once said, “God helps those who help themselves.” While the sentiment may be inspiring, this passage paints a different picture. Jesus didn’t wait for us to begin “helping ourselves” before he consecrated himself to us. Just as he loved us before we loved him, so too did he consecrate himself to us before we consecrated ourselves to anything. Of course, Jesus wants us to consecrate ourselves to him. But he wants us to do it out of love and gratitude, not because we are afraid of his retribution or rejection. Jesus already belongs to us. Now he wants us to belong to him. Today, take a good long look at yourself in the mirror. Tell yourself, “I am highly valued. Jesus Christ, the Lord of all creation, considered me worth dying for. He treasures me so deeply that he is now consecrated to me for all eternity. He will never abandon me. He will never leave me. He will never forget me.” “Jesus, I am humbled by your commitment to me. Come, Lord, and fill my heart. Help me to consecrate my life to you.” Acts 20:28-38; Psalm 68:29-30, 33-36
Posted on: Wed, 04 Jun 2014 05:57:28 +0000
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