Articles
DEDICATED TO THE LORD
Sundays are always a special day for God’s children as we gather to remember the Lord’s
sacrifice for our sins, to spend time singing praise to our Heavenly Father, and to study from His
Word. Today is also a special day for us here as we “officially” dedicate the building to the
service of our Lord and we are glad you are here to celebrate with us.
It has been asked, “Why a dedication service?” A good question deserving a good answer.
Precedence was set down in Scripture for dedicating buildings, things and even people to the
service of God. Moses was in the process of dedicating the Tabernacle to God until tragedy
struck because of Nadab and Abihu’s disobedience (Exodus 40; Leviticus 8 and 9). Upon its
completion, Solomon dedicated the Temple to God (1 Kings 8) and the Jews dedicated the
rebuilt Temple when it was completed following their return from Babylonian captivity (Ezra
6:13-18). The Law allowed opportunity to “dedicate” things to God, but with stipulations (Lev.
1, 22, 27) and we know that Hannah “dedicated” Samuel to the Lord (1 Sam. 1:28). But found in
the record of “things” being dedicated to the Lord, is an important understanding involving a
“recommitment” or “rededication” of God’s people.
Much planning, work, and sacrifice has gone into making this dream a reality. I can’t help
but think that this may have been the same feeling as with God’s people when the Temple was
built and rebuilt. It has been a long time coming, but today, we praise God and give Him glory
for the ability He has given for us to complete this building. May it always be used to glorify His
Name!
In dedicating the temple, Solomon spent much time in calling on God to be with His people,
and when they would fall short and then return to Him, that He would be merciful and forgive.
And perhaps this is the part of a “dedication” service demanding more consideration. It is great
to praise God for His blessings and to dedicate this building to His service, but may we examine
ourselves (2 Cor. 13:5) to be sure that we are living lives which are in accordance with His
Word. The “physical” building is great, but the “spiritual” building (1 Peter 2:4-5; Eph. 2:19-
22) is of far greater importance. As we begin this new phase in the history of the Monticello
church of Christ, may we “rededicate” and “recommit” our lives to the service of our Lord and
Savior, Jesus Christ.
“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the
city, the watchman keeps awake in vain.” ~Psalm 127:1
~P. Mowrer
