Tuesday, 28 September 2021
SACRIFICES OF PRAISE
By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name (Hebrews 13:15).
In 2 Chronicles 5, the Bible shows us an extraordinary moment at the dedication of Solomon’s Temple. The singers were with clashing cymbals and strings, giving thanks and offering praises to the Lord. The Bible says all the priests came together, “Also the Levites which were the singers, all of them of Asaph, of Heman, of Jeduthun, with their sons and their brethren, being arrayed in white linen, having cymbals and psalteries and harps, stood at the east end of the altar, and with them an hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets)” (2 Chronicles 5:12). They were all rejoicing before the Lord.
The 13th verse says they “…lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of musick, and praised the LORD, saying, For he is good; for his mercy endureth for ever…” These are spiritual sacrifices! They did exactly what God wanted. The killing of the animals during the ceremony didn’t bring the glory. But as they offered spiritual sacrifices to God, the Bible says, “…then the house was filled with a cloud, even the house of the LORD” (2 Chronicles 5:13).
In 2 Chronicles 20, the Bible tells us how Judah had been surrounded by enemies. Then Jehoshaphat did something. The Bible says, “…when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers unto the LORD, and that should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army, and to say, Praise the LORD; for his mercy endureth for ever” (2 Chronicles 20:21). The battle was led by singers. And what happened to their enemies?
The Bible says “…they were dead bodies fallen to the earth, and none escaped” (2 Chronicles 20:24). Hallelujah! When you face difficulties and adversities, praise the Lord in the beauty of holiness; bless His Name and affirm that His mercy endures forever. In the midst of that seeming hardship, declare that His faithfulness is unto all generations. This is your officeas a priest unto Christ; you’re to offer sacrifices of worship and praise to God always: “By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” (Hebrews 13:15).
CONFESSION: Lord, I worship you for your greatness; your mercy endures forever. You’re good; you’re kind; you’re just; you’re righteous. You’re exalted above all, and there’s none like you. All the dominion, power and glory belong to you. You’re the greatest; your Name is above all; you reign in heaven and in all the earth! Hallelujah!
FURTHER STUDY:
Acts 16:25-26; Psalm 47:1-9
1 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Ephesians 4:17-5:1-2 & Isaiah 25-26
2 YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 1:35-42 & 1 Kings 3