Gratitude toward God is a part of our daily lives. We realize that every good gift comes from God (James 1:17) and we are truly blessed as His people (Psa. 68:19). Giving thanks to God has always been a major part of worship. Under the Old Testament Law, David appointed certain Levites to serve before God and “thank and praise” Him (1 Chr. 16:4). On the way to the temple and during worship, there was thanksgiving (Psa. 42:4; 95:2). There was also much thankfulness expressed to God for His faithfulness and His forgiveness (Psa. 100:5; 30:4,5). This thanksgiving also abounds in the New Testament, especially for the deliverance that Jesus brought from sin (Rom. 6:17,18). In fact, the entire Christian life is described as: “Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving” (Col. 2:7). Interestingly, under both testaments the concept of sacrifice is connected with thanksgiving.
Sacrifices and offerings were made to God regularly under Mosaic Law, but one in particular could be offered for a thanksgiving—the peace offering (Lev. 7:11,12). The peace offering showed how Israel had been alienated from God, but He brought peace and reconciliation to them. These offerings were different from the rest because they signified friendship with God and acknowledge the wonderful blessings they had received. The sacrificial animal was brought freely of the herd or flock (male or female without blemish) and could be given with “the sacrifice of thanksgiving” which also required unleavened loaves, wafers, and loaves of fine flour all mixed with oil (Lev. 7:12-15). God commanded, “And when ye will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving unto the LORD, offer it at your own will” (Lev. 22:29).
No one today has to bring any animal to God as a sacrifice of thanksgiving because Jesus offered Himself with His own blood to sanctify those who obey Him (Heb. 13:12). Essentially, Jesus is the peace offering for all mankind as he brought everyone together in His Kingdom (Eph. 2:14). That is why now every Christian can offer the “sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” (Heb. 13:15). The sacrifice of thanksgiving that is offered comes through singing praises to God, praying, and continual praise everyday for the tremendous benefits of forgiveness and salvation. It is reminiscent of how David said he would “praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs” (Psa. 69:29,30). Surely, God is pleased with every voluntary sacrifice of thanksgiving that His children offer Him today!
~Derrick Coble
Sacrifices and offerings were made to God regularly under Mosaic Law, but one in particular could be offered for a thanksgiving—the peace offering (Lev. 7:11,12). The peace offering showed how Israel had been alienated from God, but He brought peace and reconciliation to them. These offerings were different from the rest because they signified friendship with God and acknowledge the wonderful blessings they had received. The sacrificial animal was brought freely of the herd or flock (male or female without blemish) and could be given with “the sacrifice of thanksgiving” which also required unleavened loaves, wafers, and loaves of fine flour all mixed with oil (Lev. 7:12-15). God commanded, “And when ye will offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving unto the LORD, offer it at your own will” (Lev. 22:29).
No one today has to bring any animal to God as a sacrifice of thanksgiving because Jesus offered Himself with His own blood to sanctify those who obey Him (Heb. 13:12). Essentially, Jesus is the peace offering for all mankind as he brought everyone together in His Kingdom (Eph. 2:14). That is why now every Christian can offer the “sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name” (Heb. 13:15). The sacrifice of thanksgiving that is offered comes through singing praises to God, praying, and continual praise everyday for the tremendous benefits of forgiveness and salvation. It is reminiscent of how David said he would “praise the name of God with a song, and will magnify him with thanksgiving. This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs” (Psa. 69:29,30). Surely, God is pleased with every voluntary sacrifice of thanksgiving that His children offer Him today!
~Derrick Coble