RHAPSODY OF REALITIES SATURAY, 6TH APRIL.
OUR SACRIFICE OF PRAISE IS WITH WORDS BY PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME.
By him (Jesus Christ) 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).
Just as the priest offered sacrifices of burnt offerings and incense in the Old Testament, today, we offer sacrifices of praise to the Lord with the fruit of our lips, which are the words we speak in praise and thanks giving to Him. The underlined expression, “giving thanks” is the Greek, “Homologeo”, meaning to make confessions; making confessions to His Name.
Our sacrifices of praise are with words, and they transcend statements like, “Lord, I give you praise.” For it to be a true sacrifice of praise to God, it must be mixed with substance from your spirit. You must have definite reasons for praising Him, and then voice those reasons. Your Praise of Him must have content. In other words, you’re to consciously praise and thank Him in the Name of Jesus, for specific reasons.
The sacrifices of praise are confessions, declarations, psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs that you render to Him for His love, grace and goodness towards you. They also refer to tributes or speeches that acknowledge and celebrate His majesty; confessions of His Word that we make to glorify Him. These confessions are the fruits and calves of our lips—words from our mouths that give glory to God.
Therefore, when making confessions, say beautiful things about the Lord and give testimonies of His wondrous works. Proclaim what He has said about Himself and about you: “…for he hath said…So that we may boldly say…” (Hebrews 13:5-6).
As you make those confessions in Jesus’ Name, He (Jesus), as our Great High Priest, presents them before the Father, who receives your praise and worship as a sacrifice of a sweet-smelling savour. Hallelujah!
PRAYER
Blessed Father, how great and glorious you are! You’re the only true and wise God, who reigns and rules in the affairs of men. To you, O Lord, be all glory, honour, majesty, dominion and praise! Thank you for making my life beautiful and filling me with your glory, righteousness and peace, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
FURTHER STUDY:
Hosea 14:2 Take with you words, and turn to the LORD: say unto him, Take away all iniquity, and receive [us] graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips.
Hebrews 13:15 AMPC Through Him, therefore, let us constantly and at all times offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, which is the fruit of lips that thankfully acknowledge and confess and glorify His name.
1-Year Bible Reading Plan
Luke 11:1-13 & Judges 1-2
2-Year Bible Reading Plan
Matthew 27:45-54 & Leviticus 6
