Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. Hebrews 13:15
The Jewish people honoured God through their sacrifices upon the altar and also through the firstfruits of harvest. A sheaf of grain would be brought to the priest who would lift it up and wave it before the Lord. In the letter to the Hebrews, the Jewish people are being encouraged to continue in this attitude of thanksgiving. They may no longer need to bring a sacrifice to the altar, but they do need to bring their praise to the throne of God. The fruit of the harvest is now the fruit of their lips.
The words ‘let us’ now includes every believer in Christ and we are urged to continually offer up our thanksgiving and praise. As the priests lifted their hands to present the sheaf to God, we lift our hands and present our heart.
I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands. My mouth will praise you with joyful lips. Psalm 63:4,5
Jesus honoured the Father by offering up himself as the last sacrifice. It is now through him that we offer up our sacrifice of praise, with joyful lips that acknowledge His wonderful name.
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