Dedicated to God

Four weeks ago today we experienced the joy of dedicating our precious babe, Hudson Elijah Fisher, to the Lord. And we enjoyed the privilege of having his great Uncle Helton --missionary to Africa, perform the dedication service, during his yearly visit stateside.

Hudson’s parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, great aunts and uncles and great-grandparents all rejoiced together with his church family, as Uncle Helton entreated Heaven for its benediction upon his life. His notes (below) were preserved as a reminder of the sacred, joyous occasion. 

Hudson Elijah -- two names that immediately remind us of two callings.  Hudson, a great missionary to China and Elijah, a great prophet who spoke for God.  Both had their origin in the gift of life = a gift from God. 

Jer. 1:5  "Before I formed thee in the belly, I knew thee; before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations".

When Hudson came forth, he was perfect--a living soul created in the image of God -- ready to be nurtured and to grow in God's likeness -- to be made ready for service, -- for "not more surely is there a place for us in the heavenly mansions above than is there a special place designated on earth where we are to work for God".

Hudson has an advantage in having godly parents and grandparents to guide his feet in his preparation for his life's work and witness.  He is well named.  Elijah, signifying the role of a spokes person for God.  When he comes to his Mt. Carmel, may he stand tall as a witness for God -- calling the lost to choose the living God.  

DA 51 The dedication of the first-born had its origin in the earliest times.  God promised to give the First-born of heaven to save the sinner.  This gift was to be acknowledged in every household by the consecration of the first-born son.  He was to be devoted to the priesthood as a representative of Christ among men.

Mal.  4:5 -- God made a promise.  "Behold, I send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. v.6 And he shall turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse".   

God is waiting for a generation of Elijahs to bring salvation to those who would otherwise be lost.  Let us dedicate this Elijah to His service.  (Lay hands on Hudson Elijah)

(Prayer)  O Lord, God Who first gave breath to this child, we acknowledge your claim upon him.  We thank you and praise you for bringing him before us to be dedicated to your service.  Thank you for providing him with a guardian angel to go with him throughout life.  Please put a wall of protection around him to limit the access of evil angels.  Be with his parents as they model our loving and compassionate Saviour before him.   As he learns songs like "Jesus loves Me"-- may he grow in understanding and wisdom.  Fill him with your Spirit that he may experience the joy of giving and service to others.  Please establish him as a pillar in your temple of love and use him in bringing salvation to those who would otherwise be lost.  This is our prayer of dedication for him, and let the church say, "Amen".