Offer Sacrifices of Praise Wholeheartedly

In writing to the Hebrews, Paul next calls attention to a vital aspect of true worship:  "Let us hold fast the public declaration of our hope without wavering, for he is faithful that promised." (Hebrews 10:23)  The expression "public declaration"literally means "confession," and Paul also speaks of "a  sacrifice of praise." (Hebrews 13:15)   This reminds us of the type of sacrifice that men like Abel, Noah, and Abraham offered.

When an Israelite offered a burnt sacrifice, it was done "of his own free will before Jehovah." (Leviticus 1:3) By such a sacrifice, he voluntarily made a public declaration, or acknowledgment, of Jehovah's bountiful blessings and loving-kindness toward his people. Recall that a distinctive feature of the burnt sacrifice was that the entire offering  was consumed on the altar-a fitting symbol of total devotion and dedication. Correspondingly, we demonstrate our faith in the ransom sacrifice and our gratitude for that provision when we willingly and wholeheartedly offer our  "sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of the lips," to Jehovah.

While Christians do not offer literal sacrifices-animal or vegetable-they do have the responsibility to bear witness to the Kingdom good news and to make disciples of Jesus Christ.  (Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20)  Do you take advantage of opportunities to share in public  by declaring the good news of God's Kingdom so that  many more people can come to know the wonderful things God has in store for obedient mankind? Do you willingly spend your time and energy in teaching interested ones and helping them to become disciples of Jesus Christ?  Our zealous participants in the ministry, like the restful odor of a burnt offering is well-pleasing to God.  -1 Corinthians 15:58. 

Next time: Rejoice in Fellowship With God and Men

From the Watchtower magazine, 2000