Jesus had a will but chose to surrender to His Father. The night before His crucifixion, He went to the Garden of Gethsemane. Christ knew He was the Chosen One, but wondered if there was another way. He prayed, “Abba, [which means] Father, everything is possible for You. Take away this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You [will]” (Mark 14:36 Amplified).
Consecration (‘hagios’) means to set [oneself] apart for God’s Holy will or usage.
I’m not completely consecrated to the Lord yet I desire to be. I keep failing on many occasions and feel utter despair when I yield to temptation. The Holy Spirit works conviction within which leads to repentance. Though undeserving, God graciously forgives.
The Apostle Paul struggled, “O, unhappy and pitiable and wretched man that I am! Who will release and deliver me from [the shackles of] this body of death? O, thank God! [He will] through Jesus Christ (the Anointed One) our Lord!” (Romans 7:24-25 Amplified). Paul knew Jesus was the only cure, yet he suffered tremendously.
Nor, was Paul completely rid of bodily diseases, sin’s evil and the devil’s snares. Most likely, he needed physical attention since Luke the physician accompanied him on several missionary journeys (2 Timothy 4:11).
At the Father’s appointed time, believers will see Jesus face to face (1 John 3:2). Finally, we’ll be free from fleshly entrapments, aging (we like that!) and the accuser of the brethren (Revelation 12:10).
Take my life and let it be, Consecrated Lord to Thee
Lord, I give my life to thee, Thine forevermore to be.
Frances R. Havergal, 1874
