The Sacrifice of Praise
Hebrews_13:15 (KJV) 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.
This scripture is often heard of or taught of as being an act of praising God when times are hard. It is very good to remember the faith that will cause us to give to the LORD praise in all things. The giving of thanksgiving in all things does show faith in God’s leadership and decisions in our lives. However, it is not necessarily that this scripture means that the sacrifice of praise is something that we do, when it becomes a sacrifice, as we might think it, to be faithful in offering praise in the bad times.
Many believe that knowing God will wash all of their troubles away and become disillusioned when this is not the case. Some even seem to believe that people should not die as a part of the promise of God’s care for us. If such a thing was so, this world would be overrun with people when the scripture says that we shall have three score and ten years of life as an average. So life eternal is not promised to us on this earth, this is meant for a time of final reward. Bad times is not the only time that praise shows our faith in God.
The scripture prior to this speaks of the sacrifices brought in to pay for sin, and the ashes of the blood of the animal being poured out, outside of the camp, in Judaism. It even speaks of the sacrifice of Our LORD Jesus Christ on Calvary out side of the gate of the city. This seems to speak of a continual sacrifice, and not one that is relegated to sad events only.
It is our sacrifice, and as a sacrifice emulating the practice of sacrifices in the Old Testament of the Bible, it is an act that should continue, and habitually be performed. In our constant state of praise to the LORD, we will offer the “fruit of our lips”. We will offer, as sacrifices of old, a sweet smelling fragrance unto the LORD, Our God, as fruit is sweet.
It will keep us in the presence of the LORD and strength, as the continual praise also so draws from the rivers of the LORD. He pours back upon us His spirit as we offer up praise to Him. Just think of having the Spirit of the LORD continually flowing upon us. As we offer up praise, the LORD pours down His great gifts, and cleansings. This praise is a continual feast of the LORD’s presence in exchange.