Text: 1 Peter 2:5-12
Memory text:
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;”
I Peter 2:9 NKJV
Often, I hear the loud sound of music from a nearby night club house, playing Christian songs. I hear clubbers singing the lyrics of the song loudly and dancing along with great excitement. At first, I thought the music was from a nearby church and that they were probably having a vigil until I began to hear the rapping of a DJ. One day, I heard them really jubilating and singing this well loved African, specifically, a Yoruba song, “Oniduro mi, E seun o. Agbejoro mi, E ma seun o”. It literally means, “Thanks to my Surety. Thanks to my Advocate”.
It’s obvious that these clubbers love the melody but don’t have an understanding of the words of the song. Their voices were involved but not their hearts. This also happens in the church. Some people also sing on autopilot, that is, singing without understanding.
“Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” (Heb 13:15).
Most believers still see praise as a holy appendage or a religious obligation, which one must perform. It is profanity to relegate such a holy spiritual sacrifice to God to a trifling aspect of a church service. Some even see it as an item to warm the congregation in preparation for the speaker or as a mere gap filler in a meeting. You hear people say it this way, “While we are still waiting for him or for the generator to be fixed, let’s have praises!” This is an abuse of a holy privilege!
Praise session should not be seen as another type of entertainment. It’s not a Christian entertainment or a talent show but spiritual sacrifice offered by the holy priesthood. “You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (I Peter 2:5).
Friends, praise is a most sacred command given to every believer after being saved. It’s our life mandate. We are called into holy priesthood to offer spiritual sacrifices to God. Understanding this is the key to operating in the power of praise.
Prayer points
1. Father, as I sing praises, let me always see myself as a holy priesthood called to offer spiritual sacrifices to God, in Jesus’ name.
2. Father, help me to walk in understanding and to always operate in the power of praise, in Jesus’ name.
Today’s declarations
1. To sing praises to God without understanding is to abuse the holy privilege of priesthood.
2. I operate in the power of praise when I sing praises as a holy priesthood and with understanding.
Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng