Thy Son, Thy Only Son: Dedicated to God

Daily Truth:  “Take thy son, thy only son Isaac, whom thou lovest…and offer him.”  Genesis 22:2

Dedicated in Life and in Death.

Sun and Wispy Clouds Over Mountains

This weekend my church family dedicated four lives to God.

We dedicated the life of – a sweet wife and mother – to the Lord. She was dedicated to God in life and now in death.

We dedicated the lives of a sweet couple and their daughter to the Lord. They were dedicated to God in life and now in death.

The word used over and over during their service was “dedicated” – dedicated to God, their son, their family, each other.

When a tragedy like this strikes, you are faced with so many questions.  “Why?”  “What if..?”  “How come?”

When tragedy like this strikes you are also brought face to face with a choice – How am I going to allow God to use this in my life?

The passing of these four have brought this question to the front of my mind.  The one phrase that seems to come before me often is “Thy son, thy only son”. (Genesis 22:1-18)

On Tuesday morning, I opened my email and there was a devotional dealing with having our children dedicated to God.

Coincidence?  No.  Providence.

Our Pastor spoke briefly to the church family Wednesday night.  He told us how he turned to his wife this week and asked, “If God had said to you that your son, daughter-in-law, and your granddaughter would be taken home prematurely, would you have been willing?”

Her response, “We’ve always been willing.”

Dedicated to God in life and in death.  Powerful.  Poignant.

A mom in our church, whose daughter was in the hospital, said that our Pastor came around to each of the hospital rooms and asked how THEIR kids were doing.  The mom said that they asked Pastor, “Fine, but how are YOU doing?”

His response, “We are thankful for the years God gave us our son.”

Dedicated to God in life and in death.  Powerful.

My husband and I dedicated our oldest to the Lord shortly after she was born.  We did the same for our three younger ones as soon as they were adopted.  But like so many other families, did we realize the full impact of that moment?

We, like Hannah and Abraham of old, opened up our hands to the Lord and said, “Take and use them as only You see fit.  May I not get in the way of your master plan.”

The four we dedicated to God had all fulfilled part of God’s master plan this week.  Though their time was short here on earth, God’s work for them was done.  They had dedicated their lives to His service in life and in death and now they are enjoying the presence of God in Heaven.

So, I am brought face to face with this question:  Am I willing to give my two sons and my two daughters –  the ones that my husband and I claimed I Samuel 1:27 “For this child I prayed and the Lord has granted my petition which I asked of Him” –  to Him daily, without reserves, fully dedicated to God and His service?

Lord, may I be willing.

Dedicated to God                                                                                                                                     As I watch my children play,                                                                                                                               And see them change and grow,                                                                                                                                       I want to keep them young and small,                                                                                                                                                  But I know that cannot be so.

They are full of life and dreams,                                                                                                                                     Each one planning what they want to be-                                                                                                                       A daddy, doctor, policeman, farmer,                                                                                                                         A princess, writer, teacher, mommy.

I have dreams for them as well                                                                                                                            And wonder too what they will be,                                                                                                                              What goals they will accomplish,                                                                                                                                   And what dreams they will achieve.

Yet, as I seek God’s Word for wisdom,                                                                                                                            I am reminded that they are not my own,                                                                                                                                  That these precious children of mine                                                                                                                         Are given to me from God – on loan.

As I bring each child before the throne,                                                                                                              And bow on bended knee,                                                                                                                                          I give each child to the Lord,                                                                                                                                           And petition Him humbly,

“Lord, I don’t ask that they have riches                                                                                                                             Or that they experience great fame.                                                                                                                                               I simply ask that they know, love, serve you,                                                                                                                      And glorify Thy name.

I know these children are not my own,                                                                                                                       You have chosen to give them to me.                                                                                                                          So, I simply give them back to you                                                                                                                                  That they may be used greatly of Thee.

Please take them, use them, and mold them                                                                                                               Into servants and vessels that you can use.                                                                                                            Sharpen them, train them, and strengthen them                                                                                                                      Into Your powerful tools.

May I step back and allow you to work                                                                                                                    Even if your ways I don’t understand.                                                                                                                            May this mother never get in the way                                                                                                                            Of You working Your master plan.

May I hold them tight enough to protect them                                                                                                               From the snares of this World and Satan,                                                                                                                           But hold them loose enough so that You                                                                                                                          May use them, mold them, and shape them.”

So as I watch my children play                                                                                                                                    And see them quickly change and grow,                                                                                                                      I know my time with them is very short                                                                                                                           And pray it is God they will seek, love, serve, and know.

Until Next Monday, Rebekah klink

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