Dedicate Your Heart

Judges 13:2-5

“2 A certain man of Zorah, named Manoah, from the clan of the Danites, had a wife who was childless, unable to give birth. 3 The angel of the Lord appeared to her and said, “You are barren and childless, but you are going to become pregnant and give birth to a son. 4 Now see to it that you drink no wine or other fermented drink and that you do not eat anything unclean. 5 You will become pregnant and have a son whose head is never to be touched by a razor because the boy is to be a Nazirite, dedicated to God from the womb. He will take the lead in delivering Israel from the hands of the Philistines.”

The birth of Samson was foretold by the angel of the Lord. The child was to be a Nazarite, dedicated to God before he was born, and every aspect of his life was to be governed by strict rules.  He rebelled and broke every rule, but used his flowing locks to attract women and perform feats of strength until Delilah sheared them.  Although his mother dedicated his life to God, Samson never dedicated his heart to God.  

Christians believe in sanctification, the process by which we are transformed into the image of Christ.  In order for this process to begin, we have to give our hearts to God.  This is more than just going through a ritual.  It involves a confession of faith in Jesus Christ and a sincere confession and repentance of our sins.  This is followed by a lifetime of intentionally seeking God through prayer, study, worship, service and sacrifice.

Dedicate your life, but first dedicate your heart.

May the love of Christ be with you,

Rev. Eric Lanier (Retired)