Consecration

Scripture: Leviticus 27:1-34

Sermon notes 

Consecration to God            Leviticus 27:1-34

The book of Leviticus ends on a high note. The final verse of the chapter reminds us of the nature of the book as a whole. Its theme has been redemption to holiness. Holy living is the great purpose of God for His redeemed people. Cp 19:2, 20:7, 1Peter 1:13-20. Consecration in every area of life is the climax of such living.

This chapter deals with vows and other expressions of dedication to the service of God in a practical, every-day fashion.

I DEFINITIONS OF CONSECRATION.

1. A vow to be the Lord’s, v2. The concept here is a determination before God to be His servant in whatever sphere of life the person lived. For the Lord indicates being His, on His side, for Him. There are no detailed lists of professions/occupations in view. Every area of life afforded opportunity to be the Lord’s. Singular carries the idea of an extra-ordinary thing, unique, that which is ‘separated’ from the normal course.
2. Animals employed for God’s work. Here is a further insight into how they could serve God. Being an agricultural economy, the people of Israel could expect to serve God in this way. The resources of their everyday lives could be invested in the work of God. Clean beasts, v9-10; unclean, v11-13.
3. Property, v14-25. Various circumstances relating to houses, fields etc are detailed. In many different scenarios the individual in view was able to devote himself and his interests to the Lord. Even though having ony a temporary interest in the property…

II  THE COST OF CONSECRATION.

1. Cost determined, v3. The cost of consecration was determined according to the standard of the currency of the ‘holy place’/sanctuary, v3, 25. This was the throne of the kingdom of God. This consecration generated income for God’s house. The cost had to be paid upfront, v23. Before the vow could be made the full price had to be paid up front! Cp Luke 14:28, 31—first.
2. Different ages and abilities recognized. Distinction between the abilities of men, women, old and young, etc
3. v3-4, this age group is dealt with first as if to underscore that this is specially the time to be marked by consecration to God. Our mature years.
4. v5, there is a place for younger children to serve the Lord. There is a work that they can do!
5. v6, there is a scenario for infants to be dedicated to the Lord’s work. Obviously there is a role for parents here!
6. v7, older people. Useful work for the Lord may be done by those retired from more active roles in life.
7. v8, a poor man may serve the Lord in this way too. His circumstances meant he couldn’t contribute in the normal way but there was provision for him to do something!
8. Persistence, v10. There was to be no retracting without thought or consequence. Cp also v13, 15, 19—some modification was available if circumstances changed and yet in each scenario, there was the carrying through of the vow albeit in a slightly different form. The Scripture has much to say on this matter and often emphasizes the need to carry though what we vow before God. Cp Num 30:2, Deut 23:21-22, Ecc 5:5-7

III  THINGS WHICH DO NOT COUNT AS SPECIAL ACTS OF CONSECRATION.

1. Things (animals) which that are the Lord’s already, v26. Cp Ex 13:2, Num 18:17. This affected both clean and unclean animals. It is nothing special to give to God that which He has already required. Cp 1Chron 29:14-16, Luke 17:10.
2. Devoted things. The reference here is to a very specific matter. Property and persons that God has marked for destruction among the enemies of Israel, especially in the wars of Canaan that lay just ahead, are in view. What God had appointed to destruction was not to be spared and given to Him as an act of consecration. God does not accept the recycled stuff of the world as consecration. Cp 1Sam 15:20-23—the things which should have been utterly destroyed = devoted thing (Heb.), Lev 27:28.
3. Tithes, v30-33. Again these were duties prescribed by God and in place long before Moses as proper expressions of devotion to God—Abraham, Jacob etc. It is no special act of consecration or devotion to give them! Material tithes like grain, animals, fruits etc. could be redeemed by the payment of a sum in money with a double tithe of the value attached. Even in this way there was a special acknowledgement of the tithe God required even though the goods themselves were required for personal use for some reason.

This book leaves us considering the kind of life a redeemed sinner should live. Does devotion to God mark your life?