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Music & Worship

A Sacrifice of Praise

Therefore, by Him, let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips... Hebrews 13:15

In the book of Hebrews, the New Testament writer reveals a fantastic picture of God's people, who having been freed from the ritual of animal sacrifice, are now able to present to God "continually...the sacrifice of praise." No longer shackled to an earthly system of sacrifices, Christians have been given a holy office and calling; they are "kings and priests" to God by Christ Jesus. Having become citizens of heaven, they continually offer their sacrifices of praise as God-ordained priests of Christ and His kingdom.

But, what does it mean to "offer a sacrifice of praise"? Simply put, it's sung praise (singing!) and adoration to God: "the fruit of our lips..."

When a believer sees God's works, hears God's Word and tastes God's grace, the God-ordained priest bows his spirit in lowly reverence before Him and magnifies Him as the all-glorious Lord. Then the Source of song, Jesus Christ the great High Priest, receives it and sanctifies both the gift and the giver.

Singing praise, then, is a holy calling, the work of all believers. There can be no reason for not singing. For God is not interested in "talent" or the quality of the voice; all praise is beautiful to Him. God hears the heart as well as the voice!

Child of God, sing the songs of Zion...of heaven continually! Not just on Sunday, but always let your heart be joyful before the King! You may not be able to audibly sing, but by memorizing hymns, your mind and heart will always be able to ofer a sacrifice of praise.

In the Old Testament, we see that offering a sacrifice was a sacred and solemn act. The Levites were well trained in the act of sacrificial worship and they carefully carried out their sacred duties. As the priests approached the altar with their animals for sacrifice, they came with the hush of reverence, the trembling of awe.

Thus, Christians must be trained in the God-ordained work of praise, for the songs of heaven reflect a higher order. Christian pop and rock look back to the old calling, a sensual sacrifice rooted in this present world and its earthly passions. But, Christians are kings and priests, citizens of the city of God! Their sacrifices are transcendent, worthy of Christ and His Kingdom!

Right now, sing a great hymn of the faith. Prepare yourself for the majesty and glory of your eternal destiny:

"Continually Singing A Sacrifice of Praise!"