In what ways can we offer sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving today? The Pattern Set in Ezra 6:17 “ At the dedication of this house of God, they offered a hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs, and as a sin offering for all Israel twelve male goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel.” (Ezra 6:17) The returned exiles expressed gratitude by presenting tangible, costly sacrifices. Their offerings cost them livestock, time, and heartfelt devotion. Under the New Covenant, the ultimate sacrifice has already been given—Jesus Christ Himself—so our “altar” looks different, but the principle of costly, wholehearted worship remains. Why We Still Speak of “Sacrifice” • Hebrews 13:15 declares: “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess His name.” • 1 Peter 2:5 calls believers “a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” • Psalm 50:14 affirms, “Sacrifice a thank offering to God, and fulfill your vows to the Most High.” These verses bridge Ezra’s physical offerings to today’s spiritual ones: praise, thanksgiving, obedience, and sharing. Practical Ways to Offer Sacrifices of Praise and Thanksgiving Today 1. Words that Honor God • Speak and sing truth about God’s character—His holiness, love, and faithfulness. • Publicly confess Christ (Matthew 10:32). • Share testimonies of His work in your life (Psalm 107:2). 2. Obedient Living • Present your body “as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1). • Choose holiness over convenience, reflecting His ways in habits, entertainment, and relationships. 3. Gratitude in Every Circumstance • 1 Thessalonians 5:18: “Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” • Thank Him aloud for daily blessings—health, provision, forgiveness, fellowship. • Keep a gratitude journal to cultivate mindful praise. 4. Generosity to Others • Hebrews 13:16: “And do not neglect to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” • Give financially to support gospel work, meet needs of the poor, and extend hospitality. • Offer time and talents—visiting the sick, mentoring younger believers, serving in church ministries. 5. Corporate Worship • Join fellow believers to sing, pray, and hear the Word (Colossians 3:16). • Participate actively—lifting voices, attentive listening, encouraging others afterward. • Approach gatherings expecting to meet the Lord, not merely fulfill routine. 6. Faith-filled Prayer • Psalm 141:2 likens prayer to incense—costly, fragrant, rising to God. • Pray with thanksgiving, bringing requests while acknowledging His sovereignty. • Intercede for others, reflecting Christ’s own priestly ministry (Hebrews 7:25). 7. Enduring Trials with Praise • Acts 16:25 shows Paul and Silas singing hymns in prison; their praise became a witness. • When hardships come, choose worship over complaint, declaring God’s goodness despite pain. Living Daily as Modern-Day Offerers The Israelites’ dedication offerings in Ezra were once-for-all events marking God’s faithfulness. Today, every moment becomes an opportunity for dedication. Each act of praise, each expression of thanks, and each step of obedience joins the unbroken chorus of worship around God’s throne (Revelation 5:8–14). As we practice these spiritual sacrifices, we echo Ezra 6:17—not with bulls and rams, but with hearts on fire, lips declaring His greatness, and lives laid down for His glory. |
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