Devoted and Devotions

This word “devoted” appears 7 (perfection) times in 5 (death) verses. Notice that in verse 29 that the thing “devoted of men…shall surely be put to DEATH.”

Devoted has the meaning of “something that has been set apart or consecrated.” It is a solemn act of dedication, especially in a thing devoted to the Lord. It is an act of worship.

We often use the word “devotional” or “devotions” when speaking of a specific time in the day set apart for the purpose of reading or studying our Bibles while taking notes in the process. Sometimes these “devotions” are aided by a book or commentary, and sometimes it’s just what the Lord reveals to you and lays on your heart for growth and understanding. All of which is good, if we are “devoted” in our “devotions” rather than distracted or disengaged. It is not a time for speed or casual reading (though at times our Bible reading is just that), but rather “devotional” time is a time to be “devoted” to the word of God and the Spirit of God in the fear of God. Psalm 119:38 - “Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.”

Pagans, false religions, and the unsaved alike have “devotions” (Acts 17:23), but what separates their devotions and the devotions of the child of God, is that we know the God to whom we devote ourselves, and we know the God of our devotions. Being “devoted” is to take up one’s cross and die daily, as Paul said in 1 Cor. 15:31, because being “devoted” is an act of “death.”