Exodus 32:29

Consecrate yourselves to-day to the Lord.

Immediate devotedness to God

I. The nature of this consecration.

1. We must recognize the claims of Jehovah.

2. We must concur as to the manner of our consecration.

3. We must be deeply anxious respecting this consecration.

4. We must earnestly and believingly give ourselves up to the Lord.

5. This act of consecration must be entire and for ever.

6. This act must be our own individual act.

7. This act must be effected and sustained by Divine grace.

8. This act must be immediate. “To-day” we have life, means, promises. To-morrow all may be lost, and for ever. Now, let us urge you to this immediate consecration--

II. By several important considerations and motives.

1. It is rational.

2. It is improving.

3. It is felicitous.

4. It is consolatory.

5. It is saving.

Application:

1. Let me urge the text on all classes--the young especially.

2. Let me urge all now.

3. I urge by a countless number of considerations.

By the majesty and glory of the God who seeks your salvation, and not death. By the Spirit within you. By the flight of time. (J. Burns, D. D.)

Consecrate yourselves to the Lord

If you say you are on the Lord’s side, prove it. If you are His in one thing, be His in all things. There are a great many who call themselves on the Lord’s side when they want daily bread or daily protection, who hesitate to stand out against brother and neighbour when the time of trying division for conscience’ sake comes. The reason why so many of us accomplish so little for the Lord is, that we are only partially consecrated to the Lord. We are His for Sunday and Wednesday evenings; or for Him in one line or another of thought or conduct; or for Him in all lines but one. Mr. Moody has said that “the world has yet to see the power of one man wholly consecrated to God.” Uncle Johnny Vassar, or David Livingstone, or Martin Luther, or some such man as that, gives us a glimpse of the possibilities of one who is consecrated to the Lord. What a pity that such illustrations are so exceptional! “Consecrate yourselves to-day to the Lord, that He may bestow upon you a blessing!” (H. C. Trumbull.)