Let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. – Hebrews 13:15
Today’s verse refers to verbally praising God, and there are various ways to do that. Singing has played an important part in worshipping God throughout history. Of the 400 times singing is mentioned in Scripture, over 50 of them are directives such as, “Oh sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth! Sing to the Lord, bless his name” (Psalm 96: 1-2).
God’s people engaged in music throughout the Old and New Testaments. Songs of victory, worship, and praise were recorded throughout the exodus from Egypt. Music had a principal place in temple worship. The book of Psalms is actually a songbook. In Matthew 26:30 and Mark 14:26, Jesus and His disciples sang a hymn after the Last Supper, just before He went to Gethsemane. The apostles regarded singing as a significant part of the Christian life. Paul exhorted, “Be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart” (Ephesians 5:18-19).
Songs help people remember the message of Christ and identify with it emotionally. Hymns declare Biblical doctrine succinctly and beautifully. Modern choruses are relatable, attracting the attention of contemporary worshipers and directing them to the Lord. A broad range of music helps to express the entirety of the Christian experience, its joys, sorrows, and hope. As you pray and worship the Lord in song, lift up your needs and the country’s concerns to the One who is worthy of praise and complete devotion.
Today’s Verse: Hebrews 13:15
Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Acts 16:25-34
25 About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them, 26 and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened. 27 When the jailer woke and saw that the prison doors were open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” 29 And the jailer called for lights and rushed in, and trembling with fear he fell down before Paul and Silas. 30 Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” 32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. 34 Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
