Offer the Sacrifice of Praise (Hebrews 13:15)
Hebrews 13:15 (KJV)
15 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.
On the way to the promised land the people of God made temporary shelters, they knew the land that they travelled through was not their permanent home God was leading them somewhere.
The design of the tabernacle was given to Moses on the mount Sinai and was fashioned after the pattern that is in heaven (Hebrews 8:5). It was a temporary place to meet with God, a place to praise, a place to worship, a place to offer sacrifices to God while in transition.
Many of us can identify with being in a place of transition; not where we want to be yet not where we used to be, trusting Jesus for better.
The people were on their way to the promise but had to detox from the place and the culture that had held them captive in bondage for over 400 years. While they journeyed, God taught them how to offer a sacrifice of praise. They hadn’t arrived at their destination, but the people were taught to praise God and give thanks on the way.
Today we continue to offer a sacrifice of praise to God and give Him the praise on the way to where He is taking us.
A sacrifice of praise is costly, it is not about entertainment, it is not a performance, it is not about us, our affection and the focus of our attention is poured out on God.
Although in discomfort, in distress, broken and under pressure, choosing to reach beyond how you feel and fix your eyes on Jesus and pour out to Him praises and thanksgiving, is a beautiful sacrifice that God honours because it is precious. It doesn’t come easy.
Jesus suffered shame, torture and death to offer Himself up as a sacrifice to God for mankind to be reconciled and redeemed back to Himself. Jesus identifies with sacrifice, it cost Him His life.
Just as the people of Israel before us, we are on our way to a place that God is leading us to. As we journey, let us offer up the sacrifice of praise to God, give Him the fruit of our lips no matter how we feel. He is due the praises whether we feel like it or not because He saved us and He is God.
May our eyes never see the horrors of hell, may we never smell the stench or feel the heat of the lake of fire. May we never feel the hopelessness of a place without the tangible goodness of God that some may unknowingly take for granted in the land of the living.
Our only hope is the sacrifice of Jesus Christ our Lord and saviour. At times the journey of our life may feel uncomfortable during certain seasons but as we continue to walk with Jesus the detox is taking place. Rough edges are being smoothed, compassion, wisdom, understanding, maturity and love are being birthed in you ready for the place and the people of your destiny.
Today we continue to offer a sacrifice of praise to God and give Him the praise on the way to where He is taking us.
Simply MichMich
This week as we remember how the people of God made temporary shelters as they came out of bondage, let Jesus be your shelter as you journey through life, let Him be your peace, let Him be your confidence, your strength, your righteousness, your love and your joy.
No matter what is happening make a point to offer up the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to our worthy God who has the best yet to come. Even at your lowest point in life, hope still in God, Jesus made the way for the turnaround.
This is God’s word spoken in love. Remember The LORD our God, He is good and His mercies endure forever. May the blessings of the LORD overtake you and come upon you and His love surround you, for His glory. Have a blessed week. In Jesus Name.
Be a blessing and share this with someone who needs to hear this today.
Take Care x