How does Luke 24:52 connect with Hebrews 13:15 on offering praise? Setting the Scene Luke 24:52: “And they worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy.” Hebrews 13:15: “Through Jesus therefore let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise, the fruit of lips that confess His name.” Seen and Celebrated • The disciples physically witnessed the risen, ascending Christ. • Immediate response: “they worshiped Him.” • Their worship overflowed with “great joy,” not mere duty. • Praise here is spontaneous, heartfelt, and rooted in a real encounter with Jesus (cf. Psalm 16:11). From Momentary Wonder to Continual Worship • Luke 24:52 shows a single historical moment of praise. • Hebrews 13:15 expands that moment into an ongoing lifestyle: “continually offer.” • What began on the Mount of Olives becomes the believer’s daily rhythm (Psalm 34:1). Jesus: The Altar and Mediator of Our Praise • “Through Jesus” (Hebrews 13:15) links directly to Luke’s scene—worship is possible only because of the risen Lord they just beheld. • Christ replaces temple sacrifices (Hebrews 10:19-22). Praise is the new sacrifice; Jesus is both High Priest and living altar (John 14:6). • Therefore, the disciples’ joyful worship models the access every believer now enjoys. Praise as Sacrifice • Old covenant sacrifices cost something (Leviticus 1-7). • New covenant praise still costs: intentional focus, surrender, public confession of His name (Romans 12:1). • Hebrews calls it “fruit of lips” — tangible evidence of a redeemed heart (Matthew 12:34). Practical Overflow • Start with revelation: stay in Scripture until Christ fills your view, as He did for the disciples. • Let joy fuel expression—sing, speak, testify (Psalm 71:15). • Keep praise continual: morning, noon, night (Psalm 55:17). • Confess His name openly; praise is missionary (Acts 2:46-47). • When feelings lag, remember praise is sacrificial—offer it by faith (Habakkuk 3:17-18). Key Takeaway What the disciples did in a single, joy-filled moment after the Ascension (Luke 24:52) becomes every believer’s ongoing privilege and calling (Hebrews 13:15): to live a life of continual, Christ-centered praise. |
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