A Sacrifice of Praise
Scripture Reading — Hebrews 13:15-16
Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise. . . .
There has been a lot of discussion in Hebrews about sacrifice. We have heard clearly that Jesus is the perfect sacrifice for our sin. We no longer have to bring any sacrifices to priests to offer to God.
As the book of Hebrews comes to a close, we may still find ourselves asking, “What can we do for God?” After explaining all that God has done for us, the writer does give some instructions on how we should live our lives.
Although sacrifices by priests are no longer necessary, we are called to “continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.” The offering that we bring is not an offering to try to appease God. Instead, our offering of praise is in response to being filled with joy in knowing that Jesus is the perfect sacrifice, and that he gives us new life.
The good that we do is not to earn our salvation. The good that we do in helping others and sharing with them is a sacrifice of praise. In gratitude for what God has done for us, we aim to do good in this world.
We are encouraged to continually offer praise. It is something that is a part of our being, something that we cannot help doing. Our whole life—all of our actions and words—is lived in praise to God for all he has done for us.
Lord God, may everything we say and everything we do be an offering of praise to you. Amen.
About the author — Brian Kuyper
Brian Kuyper is the lead pastor at a church in Taber, Alberta. He has served in two congregations in southern Alberta over the past 12 years. He is married to Brenda, and they have three school-age children.
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