Dedication in Prayer | sermon by Father. Mungamuri Devadasu | Bible Mission

Dedication means offering—surrendering everything we have to the Lord. It signifies that what I possess is not mine to use as I please, but rather, I will use it according to His will. This dedication is easy when life is comfortable, but true dedication means remaining in this state even during hardships. When we commit ourselves in this way, no matter the challenges or obstacles, we will continue to act according to His will.

1. Consider the Good Samaritan—he saw a wounded traveller, took care of him, and willingly offered his time, resources, and efforts. He bandaged the man’s wounds, placed him on his own animal, and took him to an inn. Even after that, he entrusted the man’s care to the innkeeper, promising to pay for additional expenses. Similarly, if we entrust ourselves to God, He can do far more for us than we can imagine. True dedication means surrendering completely, allowing Him to work through us and for us.

2.      "Whether they listen or not, you must go and speak to them," said God to Ezekiel (Ezekiel 2:4). Since Ezekiel was fully dedicated to God's will, he did not argue but went and preached to them. Likewise, if God sends you to people who do not care for the Gospel, will you still go?

3.      "If you have something against your brother, first reconcile with him, then come to the altar," said Jesus in His sermon (Matthew 5:24). This is a difficult task. Giving an offering is easy, but making peace is hard. Those who are truly dedicated to God's Word will follow His command. Will you do the same?

4.      Peter and John untied the donkey and brought it as Jesus commanded. Similarly, if Jesus tells you, "Go to this place and do this task," will you obey without hesitation? Those who are dedicated to God will always fulfill His will.

5.      Before feeding the five thousand, Jesus told His disciples to "make the people sit in groups." They obeyed Him, even though there was not enough bread. They did not argue, saying, "Let the food come first, then we will arrange them." Likewise, those who are truly dedicated do not worry about obstacles; they simply follow His command.

6.      A woman gave all she had as an offering. According to Jewish law, one was required to give a tenth. Even though Jesus did not ask her to give everything, she did. Those who do good deeds out of their own conscience, even without being told, are truly dedicated. But if we struggle to do what is commanded, can we do what is not commanded? Those who think this way are not truly dedicated.

 

 

 

7.      Jesus told Peter to walk on water. Even when he began to sink, he stepped forward in faith, fully surrendered to Jesus’ word. He walked at least a short distance. Peter accomplished the impossible because Jesus commanded it. Likewise, those who obey even when faced with impossible tasks are the ones truly dedicated to God.

8.      Jesus called a man, saying, "Follow Me." But the man wanted to first bury his father. Sometimes, our desires and plans may seem important, but if Jesus asks us to leave them behind, can we? Those who obey even when their desires are denied are the ones who are truly surrendered to Him.

9.      Jesus appointed seventy disciples and sent them out to preach the Gospel. This was recorded in the Scriptures for our teaching. Jesus does not need to call each of us separately to preach the Gospel—His command was already given to all. Those who follow this call without hesitation are the ones truly dedicated to Him.

10.   When Jephthah, the judge of Israel, returned home victorious, his daughter was the first to greet him. Since he had vowed to dedicate to the Lord whatever came out of his house, he did not hesitate to fulfill his promise (Judges 11). If God calls you to dedicate your children to His service, will you obey? Those who do so without hesitation are truly dedicated. (Even Jephthah's daughter willingly submitted to this.)

11.    Abraham, a man of great faith, was ready to sacrifice his only son, Isaac, with his own hands. This is a level of dedication that many parents find difficult to comprehend. Those who obey God even when His commands surpass human understanding are the truly surrendered ones. (It is also remarkable that Isaac himself submitted to this.)

12.   Jesus said, "My food is to do the will of my Father" (John 4:34). Can fulfilling God's will satisfy you as food satisfies hunger? If so, then you are truly dedicated to Him.