Dedication to Jehovah

“I am come . . . to do your will, o God.”—Heb. 10:7, NW.

1. In regard to what The Watchtower upholds, what personal questions here confront approximately two million individuals?

YOU are one of approximately two million readers of The Watchtower and are doubtless aware of the fact that in every issue this publication upholds the worship of Jehovah God. What does his worship mean to you as an individual? To you, is religion a casual matter, or does it occupy an important and perhaps essential place in your life? If you are familiar with Bible truth you have been greatly blessed spiritually, and along with hundreds of thousands of other persons like yourself in all parts of the earth you have the blessed opportunity to progress in knowledge and understanding concerning the great God of the universe. Is this important to you? Has the truth engendered a worshipful attitude in your mind and heart? Perhaps it has. Perhaps it has not. The fact that you are taking the time to read these words, and, we hope, to look up the scriptures and carefully study this and following articles, is commendable, because it indicates that you have the courage to look into the Bible and have the desire to know the truth and that you are not taking the course of laziness, indifference or cowardice respecting God’s Word.

2. Does deliberate lack of interest evade the issue of principle versus expediency?

² It may surprise you to know the reason many people give for not heeding the Kingdom message. Upon having their attention directed to the plain and beautiful doctrines of the Bible, the evidences of prophecies now being fulfilled, the great sign proving the Kingdom presence of Christ Jesus and the thrilling work of the New World society now in action, many say, ‘That’s your interpretation of the Bible, another man has his interpretation, I could have my interpretation; so, I’m not interested.’ Such people are not interested because they do not want to be. But of this we may be certain: from now on, for the rest of their lives, although they do continue in the attitude of deliberate lack of interest toward Jehovah God and his Word, they will be constantly confronted with the issue of determining their course of action based upon principle or based upon expediency in their affairs of life. This is true for the reason that our day is one of judgment.—See The Watchtower of June 1, 1952.

3. As to deliberate unresponsiveness to Bible information, what may be reasons, and how does cowardice figure in?

³ Such a response to Bible information as here set out may be a lazy one, made because the individual lacks enterprise and initiative to use his mind to acquire the thoughts of God, or it may be a reply of merely indifference. In either case such is holding the Word of God in low esteem, saying in effect that because different men have different ideas, the ideas of the Almighty God are considered to be of no consequence. However, this reply may oftentimes be a cowardly one. It is cowardly if made because the individual is afraid of the truth, afraid of the responsibility that knowing the truth brings, afraid of having his own ungodly works revealed to him for what they are, unrighteous, out of harmony with the principles of uprightness and decency contained in the Word of the only true God, who is himself altogether upright and holy. What are your reactions toward Jehovah’s Word?

4. Our gladness and reverence are increased through what point of view?

⁴ We must realize that an understanding and acceptance of Bible truth is not a matter of one man’s interpretation against another man’s interpretation. It is a matter of accepting or rejecting what Jehovah God himself has placed in his Word for the instruction of men in righteousness and in his worship. Many hundreds of thousands of persons have had their lives made joyful, their hearts gladdened and their reverence for God increased by the wonderful truths contained in the Bible, which are constantly upheld and respected by the Watchtower magazine. In your own individual case, what is your response to your study of the Bible?

WORSHIP

5. In praising the Creator, how far can inanimate, plant and animal creation go?

⁵ About us we see things that praise and honor Jehovah, the Creator, in their own way, but which things do not have the abilities of worshiping Jehovah that we have. The inanimate creation referred to pictorially in the 19th Psalm “sings” Jehovah’s praise. “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork.” (Ps. 19:1, AS) The inhabitants of the heavens of God’s dwelling place and the new heavens of his new world sing Jehovah’s praises and worship him, but do the literal stars and sun and rocks worship God? No, of course not. A beautiful gem reflects the glory of the one whose handiwork it is but it cannot carry on pure religion, because it is inanimate. We know the beauties of nature that decorate our earth. The untoiling lilies of the field in beauty honor their Maker, but do they join in worship of him? No, of course not. The interesting and lovely animal creatures live their life spans and serve their purpose, evidence of the admirable attributes of Jehovah. However, can the lioness or the young lions, the young ravens, the wild goats, the ass, wild ox, ostrich, horse, locust, hawk, eagle or any of the other living animal things of the air, land or sea worship God? (Job 38:39 to 39:30) We know that not one of them can worship Jehovah God. Why not? Because they are not intelligent. One purpose of this and related articles is to show from the standpoint of clean worship the difference between man on one hand and animals, plants and inorganic material on the other, and the possibilities that this difference brings to you.

6. To man and those above man, what exclusive qualities are possible?

⁶ The creation of Jehovah God with which we are acquainted and which is lower than man never fails in its purpose, testifying to the power of God. But integrity, love, uprightness, these and other related qualities, do not apply below man. They apply to man and on up in the scale of God’s creation. They are qualities of worship. Worship, pure religion, is exclusively possible for that part of God’s creation that is intelligent.

7. As to a man’s success or failure, what is the proof?

⁷ The worship of Jehovah is the proof of real intelligence. (Prov. 1:7; 9:10, AS) A refusal by a so-called “intelligent” creature to worship Jehovah God is a failure on the creature’s part. Back to the earth such useless human creature will go. That is good, because it is better that there be a beast or flower or rock than a human deficient in intelligence. (Ps. 14:1) “There is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty giveth them understanding.” (Job 32:8, AS) The “understanding” here shown to have been given to man means intelligence, discernment, perception, prudence, wisdom to take the proper course of action.

8. State the good question each person should ask, and give the primary answer to it.

⁸ How does one of Jehovah’s intelligent creatures worship him? One may ask, How can I worship God? One should ask this question. It would be stupid to avoid the question and be unconcerned over it. It is our wish to point to God’s answer found in his own Word, the Bible, and we hope and trust and pray that the vital Scriptural truths respecting this matter will be appreciated and acted upon by many of our readers, because such is essential for their eternal welfare. It is necessary that each one who would worship God first of all make a personal dedication to Jehovah.

DEDICATION TO JEHOVAH

9. What constitutes man’s highest career, and what ignoble things prevent it?

⁹ It is in dedication to Jehovah God that a human creature comes into his own proper estate as distinguished from that of all God’s creation below man. Such is the highest and noblest of human ambitions and aspirations, and such is the course that must be followed by all who will gain life from among mankind. (John 17:2, 3; Ps. 119:1, 2) When a person comes to an understanding of Jehovah as revealed in the Bible, only selfishness will prevent him from making a dedication of himself to Jehovah God. How can this be? Are there not people of many religions who are not dedicated to Jehovah God? Yes, there are many such. In fact, the number of dedicated servants of Jehovah upon earth are in the minority, but among them are persons from all walks and classifications of men. It may be properly said that everyone is dedicated to one thing or another. Wherein do the dedications of people in general fall short? In that they are dedications, not to the Almighty God of the universe whose name alone is Jehovah, but to self-interest or some other cause or some other god, and therefore they do not lead the dedicated ones to lasting life to Jehovah’s praise.

10. Define Christian dedication.

¹⁰ “Dedication” is from an origin meaning to declare, to affirm, to state solemnly, to devote. It refers to the act of setting apart or devoting something to a certain use, or an act by which a person or thing is initiated into some way or course or use. To a Christian, dedication is the exclusive devotion to the service or worship of Jehovah God. It is the act of a person in setting himself apart by an agreement, unreservedly and unconditionally to do the will of Jehovah God through Christ Jesus. How is that will expressed? Through sects and denominations? Through schemes of men or organizations of men? No. The will of God is expressed in the Bible, being made plain by God’s holy spirit, and so dedication means that henceforth one must live a holy life, separate from the corrupt world, and must serve Jehovah God.

11. To the issue of dedication how do most persons react, can the issue be side-stepped, and how may you be a blessed person?

¹¹ “I cannot do that,” many a person will say. “I cannot put God first in my life. I will put my own interests, the interests of those things and persons that are mine first and God second. Oh, I will serve God, giving him some recognition from time to time when convenient, but dedicate myself to Jehovah? How can I do that?” Yes, such is a common reaction. Many of the readers of this publication have not made a dedication of themselves to serve Jehovah. As before stated, that which prevents a person from dedication to Jehovah is self-interest, selfishness. You will never be freed from this issue. It cannot be side-stepped. It must be met. Dedication requires a decision. You must decide whether you are going to worship and serve the God who gave you life or whether you are going to disregard his Word and his will in your personal life. If you will dedicate yourself to serve him in honesty and sincerity and out of love for him in appreciation of his goodness to you, you are a wise and a blessed person indeed.

12. Give reasons for dedication to Jehovah God.

¹² Why should one make a dedication to do Jehovah’s will, a solemn agreement to be guided by God’s Word, to act in accordance with his purposes and endeavor to conform to the high standard that he sets down in the Bible? Why should one do this? Rather it should be asked, Why should not one do so? Devotion and dedication to Jehovah God should be made because he is worthy. His own merit justifies the devotion of those who love him. (1 Pet. 1:15, 16) He is deserving of our praise, service or worship. He is the center of true religion. His worthiness defies expression in our inadequate tongue, and surely, if there is sincere appreciation in the hearts of men, dedication to the Supplier of all that is good will be the result. To appreciate Jehovah means to set a just value upon his worth, to esteem it to the full, to feel a warmth of satisfaction and approval in regard to our God, to be grateful for what he does. Have you appreciation of life, of its blessings, of the truth, of the revealed Word of God, of what he has done in behalf of mankind through his Son, Christ Jesus, of his kingdom now established in the heavens, of his work that is going forward in the earth, and of the New World society now active? Have you a high regard for these things? You will either spurn them or you will accept them with appreciation. If you appreciate them, if you appreciate the God who provided them, you will dedicate yourself to serve that God. Full appreciation leads to dedication. Dedication to Jehovah is dedication to the great Source of life. It is the course of action that must be followed by all who will receive life and so it is a very wise course indeed.—Prov. 14:27.

13. By dedication what is demonstrated, and to what does dedication lead?

¹³ Many people say in effect, “I believe that, if one just does the best he can and tries to get along, everything will come out all right.” But that is not what the Bible teaches; it is a self-deception. (Prov. 14:12) Those for whom “everything will come out all right” are those who receive lasting life, and it is impossible to receive lasting life if one is cut off from the Fountain of life, the great Creator himself, the living God. His living Word leaves no doubt about this. Dedication demonstrates complete trust and confidence in Jehovah. It shows that the individual has assurance that Jehovah is God, that God is right, that his cause will be victorious, that there is no doubt in the heart and mind of the dedicated one and that he is happy and joyful to take his stand on the side of Jehovah God.

14. (a) Read Jesus’ words at John 3:19-21, and then restate in your own words the issue there presented. (b) To where do we now look for encouragement and assurance regarding Christian dedication in this day?

¹⁴ The words of Christ Jesus as recorded in John 3:19-21 (NW) are powerful and revealing. Jesus stated: “Now this is the basis for judgment, that the light has come into the world but men have loved the darkness rather than the light, for their works were wicked. For he that practices vile things hates the light and does not come to the light, in order that his works may not be reproved. But he that does what is true comes to the light, in order that his works may be made manifest as having been worked in harmony with God.” The basis for judgment there referred to is not changed and these words place the issue squarely before us as intelligent persons who have light from God’s word of truth, the Bible. Christ Jesus was dedicated to Jehovah, setting the proper pattern for Christians to follow. Prior to his time the matter of dedication came up in connection with the worship of the true God. So in the next portion we make reference to some history that may be an encouragement and assurance to us in this wonderful day of the establishment of the theocratic kingdom.

The Reassuring History of Dedication

“Fear Jehovah and serve him with integrity and in truth . . . as for me and my household, we shall serve Jehovah.”—Josh. 24:14, 15, NW.

1. Why does worship of Jehovah call for dedication to him, and how is this shown in the case of Israel in Egypt?

WORSHIP means to treat with reverence because of merit or worth due to the quality or sum of the qualities of the object of worship. Therefore worship of Jehovah God calls for dedication to him because of his completely worthy qualities. In Egypt, Moses and fellow Israelites worshiped Jehovah, declining to go contrary to his laws. (Ex. 1:17, 21; Heb. 11:23-29) Jehovah recognized Israel as his people: “Unquestionably I have seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, . . . And I am proceeding to go down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians . . . And now come and let me send you to Pharaoh and you bring my people the sons of Israel out of Egypt.” (Ex. 3:7-10, NW) Mindful of his purposes as expressed in his covenant established with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and looking to the eventual provision of the Seed of deliverance, Jehovah ‘proceeded to remember his covenant.’ (Ex. 6:5, NW) His words to be addressed to the sons of Israel by Moses were: “And I shall certainly take you to me as a people and I shall indeed prove to be God to you and you will certainly know that I am Jehovah your God who is bringing you out from under the burdens of Egypt. And I shall certainly bring you into the land that I raised my hand in oath to give to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and I shall indeed give it to you as something to possess. I am Jehovah.”—Ex. 6:7, 8, NW.

2. How is the purpose of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt shown?

² Repeatedly it was made plain on that occasion of the great deliverance from Egypt that the purpose of taking Israel out of that land was that they might worship or serve Jehovah as his own people. Israel decided to do what Jehovah would have them do, even though they at the time did not know just what would be involved following their deliverance from Egypt. (Ex. 10:26) Concerning that people Jehovah had stated to Moses: “And you must say to Pharaoh, ‘This is what Jehovah has said: “Israel is my son, my first-born. And I say to you: Send my son away that he may serve me. But should you refuse to send him away, here I am killing your son, your first-born.”’”—Ex. 4:22, 23, NW.

3. Give facts showing steps to the dedication of Israel.

³ By his power Jehovah brought this word to pass, destroying the might of Egypt and delivering his people Israel. This delivered people, devoted to him, were Jehovah’s to command, as is emphasized when “Jehovah spoke further to Moses, saying: ‘Sanctify to me every male firstborn that opens each womb among the sons of Israel, among men and beasts. It is mine.’” (Ex. 13:1, 2, NW) At the time of the deliverance from Egypt, and subsequently, details of worship were set before this devoted people. At Mount Sinai through a covenant arrangement Jehovah emphasized to the nation of Israel the special relationship in which they were with him, and there Israel as a nation, all the people, declared their agreement to their dedication. Jehovah said: “And now if you will strictly obey my voice and will indeed keep my covenant, then you will certainly become my special property out of all other peoples, because the whole earth belongs to me. And you yourselves will become to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” “After that all the people answered unanimously and said: ‘All that Jehovah has spoken we are willing to do.’”—Ex. 19:5, 6, 8, NW.

4. Explain the way of life into which Israel was initiated, stating the many facts indicating what Jehovah exacted.

⁴ So it was to a willing nation of delivered individuals, a people whom he owned as a peculiar possession of his, that “God proceeded to speak all these words, saying: ‘I am Jehovah your God, who have brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slaves. You must never have any other gods against my face.’” (Ex. 20:1-3, NW) Read the first seventeen verses of the 20th chapter of Exodus 20:1-17, noting particularly that in Ex 20 verse 5 it is stated, “I Jehovah your God am a God exacting exclusive devotion.” (NW) The chapters following relate detailed terms of the covenant there proposed, and end with the words: “You are not to conclude a covenant with them or their gods. They should not dwell in your land, that they may not cause you to sin against me. In case you should serve their gods, it would become a snare to you.” (Ex. 23:32, 33, NW) Through their deliverance from Egypt and their organization under the law of Jehovah God given to them through Moses, the nation of Israel were initiated into a way of life that was centered around the worship of God, who was their Ruler, Lawgiver, Judge and object of their worship. They recognized this, saying in dedication: “All that Jehovah has spoken we are willing to do and be obedient.” (Ex. 24:7, NW) Subsequently showing again his proper direction of the affairs of his people, Jehovah stated: “Take the Levites in place of all the firstborn among the sons of Israel and the domestic animals of the Levites in place of their domestic animals, and the Levites must become mine. I am Jehovah.” (Num. 3:45, NW) Jehovah caused the nation to be further organized for the proper carrying out of all things in connection with his worship, ceremonial and governmental, as he was their King and Ruler.

5. Relate the historical events herein enumerated and show how they establish dedication to be a serious personal step.

⁵ During the history of God’s people Israel there were many times when individuals dedicated things or persons. In the 20th chapter of Deuteronomy we have the account of the procedure when a man called to war had a house that he had not yet initiated or inaugurated. At 2 Samuel 8:11 David is said to have “dedicated” vessels. The word “dedicated” here appearing has the meaning of making to be a sacred thing. At 1 Kings 7:51 Solomon brings into the temple the items that David had previously dedicated to Jehovah’s use. At 1 Kings 8:63 the king and all the people are revealed inaugurating the house of Jehovah, initiating it into its proper use in Jehovah’s worship. The good woman Hannah vowed to dedicate her babe to Jehovah before it was conceived and her child Samuel served faithfully in the worship of Jehovah God. (1 Sam. 1:11) Samuel took personal action in respect to his dedicated service, as shown at 1 Samuel 3:10: “Then Samuel said, Speak; for thy servant heareth.” (AS) His continued obedience is shown throughout the account of his ministry, including 1 Samuel 3:19, 20 (AS), which states: “And Samuel grew, and Jehovah was with him, and did let none of his words fall to the ground. And all Israel from Dan even to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of Jehovah.” The prophet Isaiah took a volunteer step in God’s service: “And I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then I said, Here am I; send me. And he said, Go, and tell this people.” (Isa. 6:8, 9, AS) The testimony of the account of true worship throughout the ages is uniform in showing that dedication was a serious personal step in the right direction taken by all of those who worshiped Jehovah God and received his approval.

THE DEDICATION OF THE SON OF GOD

6. In the case of Jesus, why was his personal dedication in order, and why important?

⁶ Of all the examples of dedication to Jehovah God, the outstanding one is that of Christ Jesus. Jesus was devoted to his God. He kept the law of the Jews. Under this law Jesus became of age at thirty years and faced the question as to what he was going to do with his life. Would he do God’s will? Was it God’s will that he keep on being a carpenter and simply conform to the Mosaic law? No, the worship of Jehovah was to be advanced and great steps forward were to be taken respecting the carrying out of his purposes including the establishment of a new theocratic organization, the Christian congregation, the gathering of its members, and eventually thereafter the establishment of the antitypical theocratic government, the kingdom of heaven, and the new world of righteousness. Jesus was acquainted with his Father and with his Father’s word in the Hebrew Scriptures. He knew Jehovah’s worthiness and was not content with being a carpenter nor would he selfishly turn aside from a pursuit of his Father’s will. He made a decision. He made up his mind. He charted a course of action for the rest of his life. He fulfilled the prophecy of the 40th Psalm, which states, in part: “Sacrifice and offering thou hast no delight in; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt-offering and sin-offering hast thou not required. Then said I, Lo, I am come; in the roll of the book it is written of me: I delight to do thy will, O my God; yea, thy law is within my heart.” (Ps. 40:6-8, AS) In the tenth chapter of Hebrews the apostle Paul quotes from this prophecy, stating that it applied to Christ Jesus at his dedication. So we see this devoted Son of God made a personal, solemn dedication of himself to his God, to do his will and follow the law of God held in the heart of this dedicated servant. From that course of action into which he was there initiated he never swerved. That decision was important to Jesus. A similar decision is important to you.

7. (a) What leads up to dedication? (b) Are formalities appropriate? Why?

⁷ What led up to Jesus’ dedication? Knowledge that he had concerning God, love for his heavenly Father and earnest desire to forward the cause of pure worship to the advancement of Jehovah’s purposes to the vindication of his name. What leads a man to dedicate himself to Jehovah today? A knowledge of the truth, an understanding of Jehovah’s purposes, the possibilities of life set before men through Christ Jesus, appreciation of God’s provisions through his Son, love developed in the heart of the individual and a decision to follow, not the practices and standards of the ungodly, Devil-ruled old world, but the will of God in vindication of his name. It is a dedication to the Supreme One. Why did not Jesus simply go about his work, putting his hand to it and doing what he could in the furtherance of his ministry? Why should he dedicate himself? For the reason that the doing of God’s will, carrying on his worship, is no casual affair. It is not something that is all right if you do it and all right if you do not. Dedication to Jehovah calls for special solemnities, the making of a contract, a formal agreement which, when evidenced, gives notice to all concerned and all observing as to what to expect from the individual henceforth. It calls for punctiliousness, orderliness.

8. (a) To Jehovah what, in effect, is said at dedication? (b) Why is it not better to refrain from dedication to avoid responsibility?

⁸ It is not a matter of having only an outward appearance of formality with a subsurface of selfish pursuit. It is just the opposite. It is a calm, considered determination to do God’s will, saying in honesty to Jehovah: “I come to do your will. I devoted myself to you. I dedicated myself to you. Here I am. Send me. Whatever you say I will do. Teach me from your word, out of your law. Use me to your praise.” Someone might say, “But dedication brings with it a great responsibility!” True, it does. If there is no dedication, then is there a responsibility? If there is no contract, there is no responsibility or obligation to perform the terms of a contract. So, if there is no dedication, the undedicated person is not expected to live up to the terms of the dedication never made. Then would it not be better for a person to abstain from dedicating himself to God and thus avoid the responsibility? No, that would be a fatal mistake in this day of judgment. Why? Because lack of knowledge and appreciation, or else selfishness, is what prevents a person from making a dedication. Jehovah God does not give life to unappreciative, selfish or unfaithful persons. If we have faith in God that is sound and real, we will dedicate ourselves to him. If we do not dedicate ourselves to him, either we do not believe what he says or we do not care about him, and in neither event will we receive life from him. Jehovah God is not obligated to grant life to men and women who, like blood-sucking leeches, are determined to draw and drain all of the provisions that Jehovah has made, taking everything for themselves and giving nothing in return in the way of heart devotion, appreciation, love, gratitude, integrity, uprightness and contention for those things that are godly.

9. Point out the proper attitude and basis respecting dedication.

⁹ So then, do not be fearful of dedication. Rather be anxious for it. Get information. Learn the truth. Become acquainted with Jehovah’s provisions expressed in his Word and then out of the love that truth engenders in your heart dedicate yourself to do Jehovah’s will. Dedicate yourself to Jehovah God. Jesus did not say: ‘I hate to do your will, but I must. I am forced to.’ The prophecy shows him as saying: “I delight to do thy will, O my God.” In this the individual exercises his own free will. It is not a matter of being spineless, weak-willed. It is a matter of being determined, strong-willed, of subjecting that strong will to the will of Jehovah God, being determined to obey his commands, not the commandments of men or apparent self-interest when such conflict with the will of God as expressed in his Word. One making a dedication to Jehovah is in a personal relationship to him through the step of dedication, through the agreement to do his will. This is based upon love for God and faith in his provisions through Christ Jesus as the means whereby we can possibly have a standing with Jehovah due to the merit of his ransom to be eventually applied in our behalf.

10. Recount results of dedication that prove it to be practical, advisable, commendable and essential.

¹⁰ So, dedication, instead of being an impractical, visionary, useless thing, a thing of false religion and an expression with no meaning, we find to be practical, advisable, commendable, essential. Because of their being God’s chosen people, the nation of Israel gained freedom from the world of Egypt. Dedication to Jehovah can bring us freedom too because it gives us a change in our point of view and we see things through the eyes of his Word, the eyes of our understanding of his purposes. With confidence and assurance in him we are no longer enslaved by the old world, its organization, its standards and practices or its devilish religion. Does not dedication bring with it servitude to Jehovah? Certainly it does. That is one of its objectives. We are here upon God’s earth through no volition of our own, through no provisions of our own. We must be slaves or servants of one thing or the other, either of righteousness or of unrighteousness. If we dedicate ourselves to Jehovah God and choose to be his slaves, we make the proper choice. Jesus did this. His dedication is shown in the very fact that he acted out of his own love and zeal for his heavenly Father.

11. In Joshua’s experience, at Joshua chapter 24, what good decisions were made?

¹¹ The issue reminds us of that faced in Joshua’s day when he said: “And now fear Jehovah and serve him with integrity and in truth and remove the gods that your forefathers served on the other side of the River and in Egypt, and serve Jehovah. Now if it is bad in your eyes to serve Jehovah, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve, whether the gods that your forefathers who were on the other side of the River served or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are dwelling. But as for me and my household, we shall serve Jehovah.” (Josh. 24:14, 15, NW) The answer that the people gave to Joshua on that occasion showed a very wise decision on their part. “At this the people answered and said: ‘It is unthinkable on our part to abandon Jehovah so as to serve other gods. For it is Jehovah our God who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt, . . . As for us, too, we shall serve Jehovah, because he is our God.’” (Josh. 24:16-18, NW) Were those individuals there dedicating themselves to Jehovah? No, they were confirming their dedication to him or were re-emphasizing it. Note how the account continues. “Then Joshua said to the people: ‘You are not able to serve Jehovah, for he is a holy God; he is a God exacting exclusive devotion to him. He will not pardon your transgression and your sins. In case you should abandon Jehovah and you do serve foreign gods, then he will certainly turn back and do you injury and exterminate you after he has done you good.’ In turn the people said to Joshua: ‘No, but Jehovah we shall serve!’ At this Joshua said to the people: ‘You are witnesses against yourselves that you of your own accord have chosen Jehovah for yourselves, to serve him.’ To this they said: ‘We are witnesses.’ ‘And now remove the foreign gods that are among you, and incline your hearts to Jehovah the God of Israel.’ In turn the people said to Joshua: ‘Jehovah our God we shall serve and to his voice we shall listen!’ And Joshua proceeded to conclude a covenant with the people on that day and to constitute for them a regulation and judicial decision in Shechem.”—Josh. 24:19-25, NW.

12. The blessing of life is an object of what course?

¹² The course of dedication is a very blessed one and it is required of all those who will serve Jehovah God. It leads to everlasting life. The words of Jesus at Luke 14:27 (NW) show its necessity, stating: “Whoever is not carrying his torture stake and coming after me cannot be my disciple.” Salvation to life through devotion to the Supreme Ruler Jehovah through his representative Christ Jesus is shown in the words of those facing starvation in Egypt when righteous Joseph was in charge of the affairs of that nation: “Buy us and our land for bread and we together with our land will become slaves to Pharaoh, and give us seed that we may live and not die and our land not be laid desolate.” “So Joseph bought all the land of the Egyptians for Pharaoh, . . . Consequently they said: ‘You have preserved our lives.’”—Gen. 47:19, 20, 25, NW.

THE DECISION

13. Faith has what part in the decision leading to dedication? Humility? Repentance?

¹³ Previously herein the importance of faith in connection with dedication has been mentioned. One must be drawn to God by faith that is based on knowledge of him and his purposes, which knowledge is obtained from his word of truth, the Bible. Appropriate, therefore, are Jesus’ words: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6, NW) The same fact is shown in the statement of Jesus, at John 6:44 (NW): “No man can come to me unless the Father, who sent me, draws him, and I will resurrect him in the last day.” To the same effect the apostle Paul wrote the Hebrews: “Moreover, without faith it is impossible to win his good pleasure, for he that approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him.” (Heb. 11:6, NW) Humility is required. It takes a humble person, conscious of his spiritual needs, to come to Jehovah in dedication. It requires a humble recognition of inherited sin and weaknesses and a repentance that is sincere. These good essentials were evident in a course of early converts to Christianity. “Now when they heard this they were stabbed to the heart, and they said to Peter and the rest of the apostles: ‘Brothers, what shall we do?’ Therefore those who embraced his word heartily were baptized, and on that day about three thousand souls were added.” (Acts 2:37, 41, NW) Further advice on repentance was counseled by Peter in the succeeding chapter of Acts: “Repent, therefore, and turn around so as to get your sins blotted out, that seasons of refreshing may come from the person of Jehovah and that he may send forth the Christ appointed for you, Jesus.”—Acts 3:19, 20, NW.

14, 15. As respects dedication, what do Jesus’ words at Luke 14:28-33 show?

¹⁴ The wise decision of dedication is made with full understanding of the responsibility before each one, that is, the responsibility that remains with the undedicated one and the responsibility that falls upon the person who does make a dedication to Jehovah God. Dedication is a calculated step with appreciation as to what is involved. This is well shown by what Jesus stated concerning figuring out the expense before a project is undertaken: “For example, who of you that wants to build a tower does not first sit down and figure out the expense, to see if he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, he might lay its foundation but not have the funds to finish it, and all the onlookers might start to ridicule him, saying: ‘This man started to build but had not the funds to finish.’ Or what king, marching to meet another king in war does not first sit down and take counsel whether he is able with ten thousand troops to cope with the one that comes against him with twenty thousand? If, in fact, he cannot do so, then while that one is yet far away he sends out a body of ambassadors and sues for peace. Thus, you may be sure, none of you that does not say good-bye to all his belongings can be my disciple.”—Luke 14:28-33, NW.

¹⁵ Jesus was not here stating that, as far as dedication is concerned, there is a choice of courses open to the individual either of which courses is fully as proper and wise as the other. What he is pointing out is the fact that none of us that does not say “good-bye” to all his belongings can be Jesus’ disciple and can successfully come to Jehovah God through Christ Jesus in dedication, following the course of Jesus. This does not mean that we must be paupers. It does mean that the dedication is a real and all-inclusive matter involving ourselves, our lives, our resources, devoted to the praise of Jehovah through the doing of his will and the keeping of his commandments to the best of our ability. Do we want to do this? When we calculate it, are we so inclined? We should be. Dedication, therefore, is not a matter of the emotions, “conversion,” under stress and excitement of a revival, “hitting the sawdust trail,” as it were. It is a calmly considered matter in the light of facts, including these:

16. One who makes a dedication to Jehovah calmly considers what facts?

¹⁶ One who makes a dedication to Jehovah must recognize him as the Supreme Sovereign, the great Life-giver, and must recognize Christ Jesus as his Savior, as King, and also must see and understand the fact that the holy spirit of God is God’s active force and has its place in the lives of dedicated Christians. These things are elements of our faith, and that they are related directly to our dedication is shown in what Jesus stated: “Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit.” (Matt. 28:19, NW) Long before, the psalmist prayed “that they may know that thou alone, whose name is Jehovah, art the Most High over all the earth.” (Ps. 83:18, AS) And again, “For with thee is the fountain of life.” (Ps. 36:9, AS) To the congregation in Philippi, which it was his privilege to organize, the apostle Paul wrote: “For this very reason also God exalted him [Christ Jesus] to a superior position and kindly gave him the name that is above every other name, so that in the name of Jesus every knee should bend . . . and every tongue should openly confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” (Phil 2:9-11, NW) Dedication is a choice, a calculated, calm decision. “Because he who is sowing with a view to his flesh will reap corruption from his flesh, but he who is sowing with a view to the spirit will reap everlasting life from the spirit.” (Gal. 6:8, NW) “Keep getting filled with spirit.”—Eph. 5:18, NW.

17. How may one know if his dedication is acceptable to Jehovah, and what encouragement is given in this regard?

¹⁷ How may we know if our dedication is accepted by Jehovah God? We know that it is if it is sincere. A sincere, prayerful dedication is accepted by Jehovah and is pleasing to him. This should aid any who are timid and feel inferiority to the extent that they say in effect, “I could never serve God. I could never have his approval. I could never make a dedication to Jehovah. I could never be one of his witnesses.” Encouragement is given to us in the account concerning Cornelius wherein we read: “Just about the ninth hour of the day he saw plainly in a vision an angel of God come in to him and say to him: ‘Cornelius!’ The man gazed at him and, becoming frightened, said: ‘What is it, Lord?’ He said to him: ‘Your prayers and gifts of mercy have ascended as a remembrance before God. So now send men to Joppa and summon a certain Simon who is surnamed Peter.’ Accordingly Cornelius said [to Peter]: ‘Four days ago counting from this hour I was praying in my house at the ninth hour, when, look! a man in bright raiment stood before me and said: ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been favorably heard and your gifts of mercy have been remembered before God.’ While Peter was yet speaking about these matters the holy spirit fell upon all those hearing the word.”—Acts 10:3-5, 30, 31, 44, NW.

18. The privilege of dedication is available to whom?

¹⁸ Of whatever nation, origin, status in life, extent of inherited disability, the way to God’s approval through dedication and faithful service is open to you. That way you may take with confidence, and you should do so. Notice what was stated in this connection at the time of the inauguration of the glorious temple constructed under the direction of Solomon. The prayer of inauguration was, in part: “Moreover concerning the foreigner, that is not of thy people Israel, when he shall come out of a far country for thy name’s sake (for they shall hear of thy great name, and of thy mighty hand, and of thine outstretched arm); when he shall come and pray toward this house; hear thou in heaven thy dwelling-place, and do according to all that the foreigner calleth to thee for; that all the peoples of the earth may know thy name, to fear thee, as doth thy people Israel, and that they may know that this house which I have built is called by thy name.”—1 Ki. 8:41-43, AS.

19. Understanding is necessary on what further points?

¹⁹ As has been discussed in other articles in The Watchtower, Scripturally there is a difference between consecration and dedication. Consecration, as this is used in the Scriptures, refers to God’s act of installing the associate priests with Christ Jesus and applies only to Christ and the anointed spirit-begotten members of his body, and this act, of course, follows or comes after the individual dedication of those Christians who are eventually called to be members of the body of Christ. The hopes of these are heavenly and are not the earthly hopes of Jehovah’s “other sheep.” An individual makes a dedication to Jehovah God; and what follows thereafter? What must a dedicated person do to receive and retain Jehovah’s lasting approval and be successful in his dedicated Christian career? What do the Scriptures lay upon the dedicated Christian? These questions we shall consider in our next issue.

“Nothing Doing!”

In Eastern Germany two witnesses were going from house to house preaching the good news of God’s kingdom. At one place a man was busy working in his back yard and as one of the witnesses tactfully began to explain the purpose of their visit, the man, sensing that they were Jehovah’s witnesses, became so panic-stricken with fear that he shouted, “Nothing doing!” and rushed into his house lest any one see him talking with the witnesses.

He having shouted so loudly that his neighbors, who were also working in their gardens, wondered what was going on, the two witnesses thought it best to follow the panic-stricken householder into his house. There they were able to calm him and tell him about the Kingdom hope. Arrangements were made to call back upon him and now he wishes to get immersed at the very first opportunity, to confess publicly that he is one of Jehovah’s witnesses. Today he recollects with amusement his once fearful cry, “Nothing doing!”