Did you ever rededicate your life to the Lord? Growing up in churches which had regular revival meetings, I walked down the aisle a few times. I remember accepting Christ with my mom and getting baptized by Pastor Pardee. But when I felt deep conviction, I walked down and recommitted my life. One time of rededication led to a clarification of God’s calling in my life. Soon after I surrendered to preach.
After the Israelites saw God bring down the walls of Jericho, and after the little town of Ai gave them fits in a battle, Joshua called all of the Israelites together for a time of covenant renewal. Achan had taken the collective spiritual life of Israel into his own hands, disobeying God. Following Moses’ instructions Joshua gathered all of Israel between Mt. Ebal and Mt. Gerizim. There he built an altar of uncut stones. Then he wrote down the law on the stones and he read the law to remind them of their relationship with God. When the leader recommitted, the people followed.
In my invitations at the end of the sermon, I don’t often mention rededication these days. Recently a dear brother came forward and resurrendered his life to the Lord. He said God told him to. I believed him. It was a sacred moment for him and for me as his pastor. One of my favorite new songs talks about “resurrender” to Jesus. I like the chorus: “Lord we are your people. You are our God. We are your temple. Make us holy like you are. If you’re calling, we’re coming. We’re not walking, we’re running.”
After a long day and an important meeting this week, I walked into my office. Nobody else was here. My car was the last one in the parking lot. The silence was deafening. But God spoke with a still small voice. I sensed God’s presence strongly. I bowed again at the place I pray before our services on Sunday. There in front of God and nobody else, I resurrendered as a follower of Jesus and pastor of this church. I just wanted you to know. God is starting something here. And he always finishes what he starts. Will we resurrender to him? Today if we hear his voice, let us not harden our hearts.
