Isaiah 63:7-9, Hebrews 2:10-18, and Matthew 2:13-23.
Introduction
As we lace our boots to bid the year 2023 fare well and step into the New Year, we are reflecting on the profound theme of "Praise the Lord."
The Prophet Isaiah in the first reading reminds us of the Lord's steadfast love and compassion for His people. "I will recount the steadfast love of the Lord, the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord has granted us, and the great goodness to the house of Israel that he has granted them according to his compassion, according to the abundance of his steadfast love." (Isa. 63:7)
As we contemplate these words, let us acknowledge the countless blessings and undeserved grace that the Lord shower upon us daily. In the whole year of 2023, can you recount the faithfulness of God in your life even in your unfaithfulness? Our response, then, should be one of heartfelt praise, recognizing the source of our every breath and the foundation of our existence.
The Hebrew writer in Hebrews 2:10-18 presents the image of Jesus Christ, the author of our salvation, who endured suffering and became the perfect mediator between God and humanity. "For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering." (Heb. 2:10)
In light of this truth, our praise takes on new meaning. We praise the Lord not only for His benevolence but also for the redemptive work accomplished through Christ. Our Savior, who experienced the depths of human existence, invites us to join in praising the Lord through lives transformed by His grace.
God's redemptive work has brought His glory unto us. We can now 'robb shoulders' with Christ as a family, "Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters." (Hebrews 2:11). A sinner, rejected soul as you were and now Jesus is not ashamed to call you brother and sister. This definitely ought to cause you to praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord!
Praising the Lord is about declaring His faithfulness to everyone who crosses our path. “I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises.” (Hebrews 2:12). If God deserves praise, declare His faithfulness to all. Display His majestic works in your life for all manner of people to run to Him. Note that, as a Christian, it will be a sin to frown in despair since this is a sign of hopelessness. Christ in us is our hope of glory.
Again, praising God is about anchoring your trust in Him. “I will put my trust in him.” (Hebrews 2:13). Trusting in God means in all your ways you acknowledge His attributes. Many people turn to threaten with cursing when someone steals from them. The god you confess to curse with is definitely the one you trust. If you are convinced that God Almighty deserves your praise, then He must be the one you need to confess and hand everything to Him, He says, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” (Hebrews 10:30).
In addition, to praise God is to present yourself and others God brings your way holy before His throne. We need to go to the Lord and say, “Here am I, and the children God has given me.” (Hebrews 2:13). Our praise to God must present faithful souls before Him. The Presbyterian hymn 524 asked,
"Must I go, and empty-handed. Thus my Redeemer meet? Not one day of service give Him? Lay no trophy at His feet? Must I go, and empty-handed. Must I meet my Saviour so? Not one soul with which to greet Him, Must I empty-handed go?"
Let us praise God by presenting ourselves and the children He has given us holy before God's throne of praise.
Our praise to God is in our testimony. Matthew 2:13-23, we encounter the divine protection and guidance of the Lord. Just as Joseph was warned in a dream to flee to Egypt with Mary and the infant Jesus, we recognize that God's providence is always at work in our lives. If it is not our Lord who always snatches us from the snare of the evil one, let our testimony declare it. In times of uncertainty, God is our refuge, and our praise becomes a testimony to His faithful guidance.
In our daily lives, we may face challenges and uncertainties, much like the Holy Family did. Yet, let us be inspired by their unwavering trust in God's plan. As we navigate the complexities of our own journeys into the New Year, may we, too, find solace in the assurance that God is with us, guiding our steps and leading us toward the fulfillment of His purpose. The Psalmist says, "We have escaped like a bird from the fowler’s snare; the snare has been broken, and we have escaped. Our help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth." (Psalms 124:7-8).
As the year comes to an end and we stand in awe of the Lord's Majesty, let our hearts be filled with gratitude for the sacrifice of Jesus, our Savior. Praise be to the One who overcame sin and death, bridging the gap between God and humanity.
Let our worship be a response to the incredible love poured out upon us. Let our praises echo the sentiment of Isaiah, who proclaimed, "I will tell of the kindnesses of the Lord, the deeds for which he is to be praised."
May our lives be a living testimony to the transformative power of God's love, and as we praise the Lord, let our actions reflect the joy and gratitude that arise from a deep and personal relationship with Him.
Today, let our praises rise like incense before the Lord, acknowledging His steadfast love, honoring the sacrifice of Jesus, and trusting in His divine guidance. As we proclaim, "Praise the Lord," may our hearts be filled with gratitude, our lips with adoration, and our lives with the resounding echo of His grace. Amen.
Conclusion
As we enter into the New Year, let our hearts be stirred with gratitude and adoration. Praise the Lord for His steadfast love, praise Him for the salvation wrought through Christ, and praise Him with the awareness that our worship is a response to a divine invitation. May our lives resound with the anthem of praise, glorifying the Lord in every circumstance and season. Amen.
