Hebrews 13;15-By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. When I went forward to respond to an altar call at Word of Life church in 1994 when they were still located on Frederick, I remember a song that takes me to this verse. The praise band sang, youve got to praise Him and when they did, let me tell you nobody was sitting in the pews with a mild mannered expression, casually gesturing like boredom during a golf game. The praise expressed by those people in that moment was exactly what the Lord knew I needed to have a faith connection and Ill never forget it. And I am reminded by the woman with the Alabaster box of ointment called spikenard. Spikenard is a costly spice which comes from a very rare plant and is usually blended with olive oil for anointing acts of consecration, dedication, and worship. The word “spikenard” in Hebrew is Nard and means “light.” Interestingly, the message delivered in 1 John 1:5 talks about the nature of the Father, who is visible in Heaven by the pure, uncreated light of His nature. What she anointed Jesus with what was a tremendous financial cost in Mark 14 some people became indignant that Mary carried out that action. Jesus said this, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. And with that perspective in mind, Im thinking about a good work on Christ this morning as praise has a fragrance about it. When you and I go to work, get with relatives today, battle shoppers on a crazy Friday, what fragrance is there to diffuse? When I first heard the praise music back in 1994, I knew I was home. Im not speaking of the geographical location or denomination as much as the place of praise. It was simply the logical next step, the progression from Jesus loves me, Im a sinner, Hes forgiven and cleansed me, therefore I want to praise Him with everything I have. And so for today there will be a myriad of choices to make, conversations to ensue, risks to take and out of the abundance of our hearts our mouths will speak. Therefore, let it be praise, giving thanks to God for Jesus Christ, His Son, our Lord, my hope.
Posted on: Thu, 27 Nov 2014 13:04:57 +0000
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