A Sacrifice of Praise

“Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise — the fruit of lips that confess his name.  And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:15-16

When I picture animals being slain in the Old Testament, I cringe at the thought that our God who created cute woolly lambs would use them in sacrifices.  But that has nothing to do with why I’m glad Christ came to earth to die as the final and complete sacrifice.

My relief is minor compared to those who lived under the ceremonial law.  Imagine their sigh of relief.  At last, the Messiah had come and banished every drop of animal blood from every act of worship from then on until eternity.  The Jews who came to Christ must have been overjoyed but also a bit mystified.  After all, sacrifices were such an integral part of life.  Without the need for a temple or an altar, what were they to do now?  Hear these words as a Jewish Christian:  “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise — the fruit of lips that confess his name.  And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for which such sacrifices God is pleased” (Hebrews 13:15-16).

What great news!  Our penchant to do something has provided an outlet!  And rather than the sacrifice being burned and the blood poured out on the floor, our sacrifices have a destination.  Our thanks lifted up to God and our doing good has an impact on the lives of those around us.

Praise be to God for His Son, the Lamb that was slain.  And praise be to God for giving us the privilege of presenting a new and joyful sacrifice of praise.