Okay, so I admit the timing is curious. But this post is not about the Thanksgiving holiday.
The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me. (Psalm 50:23)
This is the end of a longer psalm from Asaph about the sacrifice God desires.
If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world and its fullness are mine. Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats? Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving…(vs 12-15)
It is reminiscent of David’s words, I won’t offer a sacrifice that costs me nothing (2 Samuel 24:24) and Samuel’s rebuke to Saul, to obey is better than sacrifice (1 Samuel 15:22).
God’s desire for burnt offerings was never about the animal. The Lamb was provided long before we existed. Likewise, for us today, our offerings to God are not about the actual thing we give up for God. Our sacrifices are about being in union with God–about being after his heart. And thanksgiving is a tell-tale sign of where our hearts are with God.
So what, then, is the cost (sacrifice) of thanksgiving?
I was thinking/praying through what it takes to say the words thank you in any given situation, and to have a attitude of gratefulness.
- It costs us our pride
- It costs us our stubbornness
Both are obstacles unwilling to admit they need anything–any help, anyone, etc. Where there is no need, there is no thanksgiving.
- It cost us our entitlement
When we think we deserve whatever gift has been given, it is an obstacle to thanksgiving. I’m reminded of the ten lepers who were healed, but only one came back to give praise (Luke 17).
I could add more, but I think they all can be summed up in one phrase.
- Thanksgiving costs us ourselves.
It is when every right, opinion, desire, instinct, presumption, excuse, obligation, success, failure, familiarity, I want this, but what about that, gets laid on the alter.
The sacrifice of thanksgiving rises before God and says, “You can have it all, God. I acknowledge that you have given me everything I need. And I want to be with you.” And it is pleasing to him!
According to the Word of God, it’s in that place, it’s in that offering where God gets gloried, and it’s connected to ordering our lives rightly which reveals salvation.
The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God! (Psalm 50:23)
That isn’t just eternal salvation, which is truly wonderful, but it is also in the way we see God’s salvation, strength, mercy, and grace in our everyday lives. Wow!
I want God to be glorified. If thanksgiving is one of the ways that happens, let it be overflowing from heart with no obstructions into my mouth. Let it have a permanent place in my days.
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Just for fun. Psalm 50 from above was a part of my daily reading a few day ago along with the following psalms. There was theme.
Psalm 50:23
The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!
Psalm 140:13
Surely the righteous shall give thanks to your name; the upright shall dwell in your presence.
Psalm 79:13
But we your people, the sheep of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever;
from generation to generation we will recount your praise.
Psalm 109:30-32
With my mouth I will give great thanks to the LORD; I will o praise him in the midst of the throng. For he stands at the right hand of the needy one…
Brave Sparrow 