In what ways can believers today "praise the LORD" as in Isaiah 62:9? The promise in Isaiah 62:9 “But those who harvest the grain will eat it and praise the LORD, and those who gather the grapes will drink the wine in My holy courts.” – Isaiah 62:9 In context, God assures Zion that the fruit of her labors will no longer be taken by enemies; instead, worshipers themselves will rejoice over the harvest right in God’s presence. The heart of the verse is a call to celebrate God’s faithfulness by actively “praising the LORD.” Understanding “praise the LORD” • Praise is verbal and visible acknowledgment of God’s character, works, and promises (Psalm 150:2). • It springs from gratitude for redemption and provision (Psalm 107:1–2). • It is meant to be offered “in My holy courts,” pointing to gathered, corporate worship (Psalm 100:4). • Yet the New Testament shows that every believer is now a living temple where praise can continually rise (Hebrews 13:15; 1 Peter 2:5). Practical ways believers today can praise the LORD 1. Heartfelt thanksgiving • Begin and end each day recounting specific blessings (Psalm 103:1–5). • Train the tongue to say, “Thank You, Lord,” in ordinary moments—meals, safe travel, answered prayer. 2. Corporate worship gatherings • Join local church services, singing “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs” (Ephesians 5:19). • Engage actively—standing, lifting hands, or kneeling as Scripture models (Psalm 134:2; Psalm 95:6). 3. Stewardship of harvest and income • Just as ancient Israel ate the harvest in God’s courts, dedicate a portion of income to gospel work (Proverbs 3:9). • Celebrate God’s provision by sharing meals with others and voicing His goodness (Acts 2:46–47). 4. Testimony and evangelism • Tell personal stories of God’s faithfulness to family, friends, coworkers (Psalm 96:2–3). • Use social platforms wisely to spread His deeds rather than self-promotion. 5. Acts of mercy • Serve the poor, sick, and overlooked “so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father” (Matthew 5:16). • Link every act of kindness to the name of Jesus (Colossians 3:17). 6. Musical and artistic expression • Write songs, paint, craft, or dance with the intent of magnifying God’s attributes (Psalm 33:3). • Offer talents to the church and community, framing art in Scripture truth. 7. Daily obedience • Live holy lives; obedience itself is praise that delights God (1 Samuel 15:22; John 14:15). • Resist grumbling; choose joyful submission in trials (Philippians 2:14–16). Connecting Isaiah 62:9 with New Testament worship • The harvested grain and wine point forward to the Lord’s Supper, where believers “declare the Lord’s death until He comes” (1 Corinthians 11:26). Each Communion service is a present-day fulfillment of praising God in His courts. • Jesus, the true Vine (John 15:1) and Bread of Life (John 6:35), makes every earthly provision a reminder to honor Him. Maintaining a life of praise • Abide in Scripture daily; praise is fueled by fresh revelation of who God is (Psalm 119:164). • Stay in step with the Spirit; He empowers worship beyond mere emotion (Galatians 5:25; John 4:24). • Anticipate the greater fulfillment: one day all nations will “enter His gates with thanksgiving” eternally (Revelation 7:9–12). By weaving gratitude, worship, testimony, service, and obedience into everyday life, believers today honor the same call voiced in Isaiah 62:9: to “eat” the goodness God provides and openly “praise the LORD” in His presence. |
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