Jan 22
Unshakeable
SACRIFICE OF PRAISE
A Verse to Remember: Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. For our God is a devouring fire. Hebrews 12:28-29
Gospel Story: Luke 10:21-21 What makes Jesus Worship? ;)
Today’s Scripture: Hebrews 13:10-16 10 We have an altar from which the priests in the Tabernacle have no right to eat. 11 Under the old system, the high priest brought the blood of animals into the Holy Place as a sacrifice for sin, and the bodies of the animals were burned outside the camp. 12 So also Jesus suffered and died outside the city gates to make his people holy by means of his own blood. 13 So let us go out to him, outside the camp, and bear the disgrace he bore. 14 For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.15 Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. 16 And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.
Reflection:
Ever wonder what makes Jesus worship? What causes him to give Daddy praise? Strange questions? Perhaps. I loved watching Jackie Pullinger in Hong Kong worship. She was wonderfully childlike and free in her adoration. There was something about watching her worship that drew me into the presence of God. He became the focus of my gaze. So imagine if we get a chance to see Jesus worship? How much closer to God do you think we might get? Good News!, we get to see Jesus worship in today’s Gospel story in Luke 10:21-24. i invite you to ponder how does seeing Jesus worship draw me deeper into God? And how does that connect with the encouragement found n Hebrews Chapter 13:10-14?
The story is a beautiful expression of the communion of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The disciples return from their Jesus mission to reconnect with Jesus. They’re in awe of how faithful God was in the things that Jesus asked them to go and do. At which point Jesus’ get’s filled with the “joy of the Holy Spirit. Filled with the Holy Spirit he gives his Daddy praise!!! Do you see what stirs our glorious Three In One? You discovering what it is to do life with Him. You doing life with him and returning with joy and what he has shared with you.
I also love how this moment of praise also turns into intimate communion, “Blessed are the eyes that have seen what you have seen”…. Jesus’ moment of worship edifies us.
15 Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. 16 And don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God.
This “continual sacrifice of praise” of Jesus, we are invited to take it to where Jesus is, “outside” the “camp” and outside the “old” religious system. From onlookers our praise or way of life might carry the shame that comes from the judgement inherent in the “old” way. But our “altar” is a heavenly altar of praise. And the city or “camp” we are living for is the one of promise, the new Jerusalem. Hmmmm, discover what makes Jesus worship, I think, begins a life journey of holy intimacy and the discovery of who you truly are in Him! We get to live a life overflowing with the joy of the Holy Spirit and a continual unshakable sacrifice of praise!!
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