Praise And Thanksgiving
BRD REFLECTIONS
Genesis 49:1-28 & Psalm 50 (NIV)
(Jusuf Kam, PTM, Worship & Music)
READ:
Reading both Genesis 49:1-28 & Psalm 50, I am personally ministered by the following verses:
Genesis 49:1-28
V28
All these are the twelve tribes of Israel, and this is what their father said to them when he blessed them, giving each the blessing appropriate to him.
Psalm 50
V4
He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that he may judge his people.
V9-10
I have no need of a bull from your stall, or of goats from your pens, for every animal of the forest is mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills.
V22 & 23
“Consider this, you who forget God, or I will tear you to pieces, with no one to rescue you: Those who sacrifice thank offerings honour me, and to the blameless I will show my salvation.”
OBSERVE:
There is a similarity between Jacob gathering his children and God summoning heaven and earth. Both mention the consequences of human deeds. There will be judgment because God is just.
Yet in His kindness and mercy, God offers blessings and He shows me how to respond: honour God by offering Him a sacrifice of thanksgiving! He even welcomes those who have done evil, and want to walk the right path. How marvellous, how amazing His love for humankind which He had created in His own image. God owns everything yet He is so pleased to see me express my gratitude to Him.
Last week I experienced something unusual. An elderly person riding a mobility scooter was heading fast towards me. I was startled and stopped walking. He saw me and stepped on the brakes. We managed to avoid a collision. When we looked at each other, he thanked me for giving way to him instead of berating me. Thereafter, he shouted cheerfully, “Amen, brother, Hallelujah!” and zoomed off. I was surprised and reminded that I need to see things positively, thank and praise God.
APPLY:
I was recently hospitalized due to heart issues. I have since been discharged and am now waiting for the next medical procedure prayerfully and patiently. I am constantly reminded to think positively, look to God, my Creator, where my help comes, and give thanks to Him in every circumstance. My body is weaker. I am still recuperating. This morning, I accidentally stepped on uneven ground and fell. The first thing I did was to look up to Him and thank Him. I did not suffer any injuries and a kind Bangladeshi construction worker helped me up. I was able to say, “Thank You, God. Hallelujah!”
I need to do this more often, to make it a spiritual habit to give thanks to God and praise His Name.
DO:
I must prepare for my eternal Hallelujah, offering my thanksgiving and praise to God. I believe my life will never be the same again. From now on, singing a hymn or song of thanksgiving will be with new understanding and right perspectives. I will sing these songs from the bottom of my heart, and not just with my voice or my lips, to please God. He deserves it and is worthy to be praised.
Sometimes I do evil things that hurt and sadden God. I need to remember His hands always welcome every prodigal son.
As a forgiven and grateful person, I should also not be judgemental but, like God, welcome people around me.
PRAY:
Dear compassionate God, I thank You for Your kindness and mercy. Thank you also for Your generosity. Although You own everything, You are pleased whenever I give thanks and praise You sincerely. Like a loving Father waiting patiently for a prodigal son, You welcome me back whenever I do wrong as long as I approach You through Jesus Christ. It is my sincere desire to thank and praise You all the time.
Bless all readers of this reflection, Lord, that they may offer praise and thanksgiving to You, too.
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour. Amen.
