Consecrate Before You Launch

I was thinking about the process of launching today. As I was thinking about it, I was reminded of Joshua. Joshua was a servant to Moses during the years that they wandered after the exodus from Egypt. In the days that followed the death of Moses, God had spoken to him to prepare for the task of completing the mission that would eventually lead the people of Israel into their promised land. At that time, they had settled for a time in a land on one side of the Jordan River. Before they took up the task of crossing the Jordan, Joshua commanded the people to prepare themselves because they would be moving in three days. While the word consecrates is not specifically used in this chapter, I believe the act of preparation and waiting exhibited a sort of consecration for the task that was before them.

I live in an area that is heavily focused on military service. Just miles from me are navy ships that are anchored at port. When I think of those ships, I understand that before they are sent out for a first voyage or mission, they are consecrated; or what is more commonly known as being commissioned. Soldiers too are commissioned before ever embarking on full service for God and country. Before a business, ministry, or organization opens their doors of operation, they often have a ceremony that signifies their launch. It is sometimes called a dedication or launch. I remember the days leading up to my call into ministry. I fasted and prayed for three days as a personal consecration before I was licensed, ordained, and commissioned by the church I was serving in.

Consecration serves as notice that something of significance stands apart from anything else that came before it. In God, when He consecrates something, it is set apart unto a holy purpose for Himself. Are you launching something this year? If you are, consider consecrating that thing to God. This is especially significant if you are someone who believes that what you do is important to God. Every time Abraham dug a well, he dedicated it to God. Every time a Hebrew boy was born, they were circumcised on the eighth day; even Jesus. Before Jesus began his ministry, he was baptized and acknowledged by God with the Holy Spirit as His son. How significant is that?

As you can see here, there is no one way to consecrate. The important thing is to do it. It not only signifies importance, or establishes to whom it has been committed; it also acknowledges purpose. When God spoke to Joshua and commanded him to lead the people, it revealed a succession of leadership. When police, soldiers, or graduates are commissioned, it validates them as having all the authority and rights bestowed upon them by those who have overseen them through the time they committed to training and education. Your business, ministry, or whatever you plan to launch has a purpose. It is worthy of being consecrated and having something that notes its purpose beyond mere existence. I implore you to consider the value in consecrating before you launch.