What is the meaning of Psalm 107:22? Let them offer - “Let” invites a willing, heartfelt response. God never coerces worship; He calls His redeemed to participate freely, just as He called Israel after each deliverance in Psalm 107’s earlier verses. - “Them” refers to those whom the LORD has rescued (v. 2, v. 6, v. 13, v. 19, v. 28). Redemption brings responsibility. Romans 12:1 echoes the call: “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God.” - “Offer” signals intentional action, not mere feeling. Like David in 2 Samuel 24:24, we come determined to give something that costs us. Sacrifices of thanksgiving - Under the Law, a thank offering (Leviticus 7:12) was voluntary, celebrating God’s goodness. Today Christ’s finished work ends animal sacrifice, yet Hebrews 13:15 urges, “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise.” - Gratitude marks genuine faith: • Psalm 50:14 “Sacrifice a thank offering to God.” • Jonah 2:9 “With a voice of thanksgiving I will sacrifice to You.” - Practical ways to “offer” thanks: • Verbal praise in private and public worship. • Obedient living that honors the Redeemer (Colossians 3:17). • Generous giving that mirrors God’s generosity (2 Corinthians 9:11-12). Declare His works - Thanks quickly turns outward. Gratitude naturally tells a story. Psalm 105:1 urges, “Give thanks to the LORD, call upon His name; make His deeds known among the nations.” - “Works” highlights God’s mighty acts—creation, providence, salvation. Psalm 40:5 shares the same theme: “Many, O LORD my God, are the wonders You have done.” - Testimony is commanded, not optional. Mark 5:19 records Jesus telling the delivered demoniac, “Tell them how much the Lord has done for you.” - Practical expressions: • Sharing personal salvation stories. • Recounting answered prayers in small groups. • Celebrating God’s faithfulness across generations (Psalm 78:4). With rejoicing - Joy crowns and authenticates thanksgiving. Psalm 32:11: “Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous.” - Joy keeps testimony from sounding mechanical. Philippians 4:4 repeats, “Rejoice in the Lord always.” - Reasons for rejoicing: • Deliverance from distress (Psalm 107’s theme). • Ongoing presence of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). • Certain future hope (1 Peter 1:8-9). - Joy is expressed: • In song (Psalm 92:4). • In serving others cheerfully (2 Corinthians 9:7). • In resilient hope amid trials (James 1:2). Summary Psalm 107:22 calls the redeemed to act: freely approach God, present sincere thanks, openly publicize His mighty deeds, and do it all with contagious joy. Thanksgiving is more than a moment; it is a lifestyle that honors the Deliverer and invites the watching world to trust Him too. |
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