CONSECRATION
The act of setting apart, or dedicating, something or someone for God’s use. In the Old Testament, the Temple and its trappings were the most important objects consecrated to God (2 Chron 7:5-9; Ezra 6:16-17); and Aaron and his sons were consecrated to the priesthood (Ex 29; Lev 8:1). But even such items as the spoils of battle (Josh 6:19; Mic 4:13) and cattle could be consecrated (Lev 27:28). Before the beginning of the priesthood in Israel’s history, the first-born of men and beasts alike were consecrated (Ex 13:2). But after the priesthood began, the tribe of Levi served as a substitute in this consecration (Num 3:12).
In the New Testament, the supreme example of consecration is Christ himself (John 17:19; Heb 7:28; 10:10). But believers are also consecrated by Christ (John 17:17; 1 Peter 2:9), and are urged to consecrate themselves as well (Rom 12:1; 2 Tim 2:21). One of the results of our consecration by Christ is that we are now a priesthood of believers (1 Peter 2:9) with direct access to our heavenly Father (Eph 3:11-12).
(from Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)
Consecrated: 1 : to induct (a person) into a permanent office with a religious rite; especially : to ordain to the office of bishop
2 a: to make or declare sacred; especially: to devote irrevocably to the worship of God by a solemn ceremony b: to effect the liturgical transubstantiation of (eucharistic bread and wine) c: to devote to a purpose with or as if with deep solemnity or dedication
3: to make inviolable or venerable *principles consecrated by the weight of history*
Self–De·ni·al noun : a restraint or limitation of one’s own desires or interests Synonyms abnegation, renouncement, renunciation, repudiation—more at RENUNCIATION Matthew 16:24;Ab·ne·ga·tion noun : restraint or denial of desire or self-interest Synonyms renouncement, renunciation, repudiation, self-denial—more at RENUNCIATION
Self–Gov·ern·ment noun 1 : restraint exercised over one’s own impulses, emotions, or desires 2 : government under the control and direction of the inhabitants of a political unit rather than by an outside authority Synonyms [1] restraint, self-control, self-discipline, self-possession, self-restraint, will, willpower—more at WILL [2] autonomy, freedom, independence, liberty, sovereignty—more at FREEDOM
Self–Gov·ern·ing adjective : having control or rule over oneself; specif : having self-government
FAST, FASTING
Going without food or drink voluntarily, generally for religious purposes. Fasting, however, could also be done for other reasons. It was sometimes done as a sign of distress, grief, or repentance. The law of Moses specifically required fasting for only one occasion-the DAY OF ATONEMENT. This custom resulted in calling this day “the day of fasting” (Jer 36:6) or “the Fast” (Acts 27:9).
Moses did not eat bread or drink water during the 40 days and 40 nights he was on Mount Sinai receiving the law (Ex 34:28). Voluntary group fasts (not specified in the law) were engaged in during time of war, such as when the Benjamites defeated the other Israelites (Judg 20:26), and when Samuel gathered the people to Mizpah during the Philistine wars (1 Sam 7:6). It was at a called fast that witnesses accused Naboth, setting the stage for his death (1 Kings 21:9,12).
Jehoshaphat called for a fast in all Israel when opposed by the Moabites and Ammonites (2 Chron 20:3). Reacting to Jonah’s preaching, the men of Nineveh, at the king’s order, fasted and put on sackcloth (Jonah 3:5). Those about to return with Ezra from the Captivity fasted at the river of Ahava in the face of the dangers faced on the journey (Ezra 8:21,23). Esther and the Jews of Shushan (or Susa) fasted when faced with the destruction planned by Haman (Est 4:3,16; 9:31).
In times of grief, people fasted. A seven-day fast was held when the bones of Saul and his sons were buried (1 Sam 31:13; 1 Chron 10:12). Fasting was done during the 70 years of the exilic period on the fifth and the seventh months, the date the siege of Jerusalem began and the date when Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians (Zech 7:5).
Fasting was often done by individuals in times of distress. David fasted after hearing that Saul and Jonathan were dead (2 Sam 1:12). Nehemiah fasted and prayed upon learning that Jerusalem had remained in ruins since its destruction (Neh 1:4). Darius, the king of Persia, fasted all night after placing Daniel in the lions’ den (Dan 6:18).
Going without food or water was not automatically effective in accomplishing the desires of those who fasted. In the prophet Isaiah’s time, people complained that they had fasted and that God had not responded favorably (Isa 58:3-4). The prophet declared that the external show was futile. The fast that the Lord requires is to loose the bonds of wickedness, undo the heavy burdens, feed the hungry, shelter the poor, and clothe the naked (Isa 58:5-7).
Fasting also occurs in the New Testament. Anna at the Temple “served God with fastings and prayers night and day” (Luke 2:37). John the Baptist led his disciples to fast (Mark 2:18). Jesus fasted 40 days and 40 nights before His temptation (Matt 4:2). Using a marriage-feast comparison, however, Jesus insisted that fasting was not suitable for His disciples as long as He, the Bridegroom, was with them (Matt 9:14-15; Mark 2:18-20; Luke 5:33-35).
Cornelius was fasting at the time of his vision (Acts 10:30). The church in Antioch fasted (Acts 13:2) and sent Paul and Barnabas off on the first missionary journey with fasting and prayer (Acts 13:3). Paul and Barnabas prayed with fasting at the appointment of elders in the churches (Acts 14:23). Paul suggested that husbands and wives might abstain from sexual intercourse to give themselves to fasting and prayer (1 Cor 7:5).
(from Nelson’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, Copyright © 1986, Thomas Nelson Publishers)