TOTAL SURRENDER
February 11, 2025
TEXT: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.” Rom 12:1
As we journey through life, we often find ourselves at a crossroads, where we must decide whether to surrender our will to God or follow our own desires. In a world where self-preservation and personal gain are often prioritised, it can be challenging to let go of our own ambitions and surrender our all to God. However, as believers, we are called to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable unto God.
In John 15:13, Jesus says, “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” This verse reminds us that true love and devotion require sacrifice. As believers, we are called to love and serve God with our whole hearts, just as Jesus loved and served us. In verse 5, Jesus also says, “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.” This reminds us that our ability to serve and surrender to God comes from our connection to Him.
The Bible provides us with many examples of individuals who surrendered their all to God. One such example is Hannah, who surrendered her son Samuel to God’s service. In 1 Samuel 1:27-28, Hannah says, “For this child I prayed; and the Lord hath given me my petition which I asked of him: Therefore also I have lent him to the Lord; as long as he liveth he shall be lent to the Lord.” Hannah’s surrender of Samuel to God’s service is a powerful example of what it means to lay all on the altar.
David exemplified this kind of sacrifice when he said, “neither will I offer burnt offering unto the Lord, my God, of that which doth cost me nothing” (2 Samuel 24:24). What about our father Abraham? Have you become so familiar with the story that you have forgotten to ponder on it? He was a man who surrendered his all to God without reluctance. Genesis 22 gives an account of Abraham’s response to God. He had been committed to sacrificing the son he had waited so long to have, yet his response to that charge was so quick. Similarly, the Christian faith was founded on sacrifice. Yes, it is the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross that makes you a believer. Therefore, we are called to surrender all to Him.
SEARCHLIGHT: “Christ gave everything for you – what have you given Him in return?”
PRAYER: Father, I surrender all to You today. Use me for Your glory, in Jesus’ Name.
BIBLE READING: Joshua 24, Judges 1-2, Romans 8.
PST. MICHAEL OMOLE
