30 Jun July 24 – Daily Devotional

A SERIES OF DEVOTIONS BASED ON THE BOOK OF HEBREWS

THROUGH JESUS OFFER GOD SPIRITUAL SACRIFICES

Hebrews 13:15 “Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess His name.”

Martin Luther said, “. . . one’s mouth reveals what is in one’s heart” and the “proper use of God’s name . . . amounts to a posture of unceasing worship. . .the right use of the divine name happens not only in words but also in practice and life.” (Large Catechism, pp. 200-201)  Your right use of God’s name in this way flows from the faith you have been given in Him whereby you “fear, love and trust in Him above all things.” (First Commandment)

Today’s devotional verse calls upon you to “offer to God a sacrifice of praise” and to “openly profess His name.”  Note, you are able to do this only “through Jesus” which is also found in this verse.  Afterall, Jesus says, it is by knowing and believing in Him that you also know and believe in God who is your heavenly Father. (see John 14:7-12)

Offering a “sacrifice of praise” is also described in the Bible as offering “spiritual sacrifices.”  These include living a life that witnesses your faith in Jesus, shows kindness to those around you and finds you offering daily prayers and praise to Him who has created, redeemed, sanctified, and kept you in the true faith.  You offer spiritual sacrifices through your faith in Jesus where it is no longer you who live, but Christ who lives in you. (Galatians 2:20) The Holy Spirit, through the means of grace aligns your heart and actions with God’s will turning you, your words, and your life away from the world to the Triune God.  St. Peter puts it this way, “As you come to Him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to Him—you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 2:4-5)

The Psalmist said, “I will extol the LORD at all times; His praise will always be on my lips. . . ” (Psalm 34:1) and I will “Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. For the Lord is good and His love endures forever . . . “ (Psalm 100:4-5)

Prayer:  Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, hear my words of praise and receive the honor I give to You and Your holy name through the life I live.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Praise to the Lord, the Almighty, the King of creation!

O my soul, praise Him, for He is your health and salvation!

Let all who hear Now to His temple draw near,

Joining in glad adoration!

Praise to the Lorde, who o’er all things is wondrously reigning

And, as on wings of an eagle, uplifting, sustaining.

Have you not seen All that is needful has been

Sent by His gracious ordaining?

Praise to the Lord, who has fearfully, wondrously, made you,

Health has bestowed and, when heedlessly falling, has stayed you.

What need or grief Ever has failed of relief?

Wings of His mercy did shade you.

Praise to the Lord, who will prosper your work and defend you;

Surely His goodness and mercy shall daily attend you.

Ponder anew What the Almighty can do

As with His love He befriends you.

Praise to the Lord! O let all that is in me adore Him!

All that has life and breath, come now with praises before Him!

Let the Amen Sound from His people again;

Gladly forever adore Him!

(LSB 790)