29th September 2025
Therefore
Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name.
Hebrews 13:15 (NLT)
As we read the Bible we often come across the word, ‘therefore’. So, you must ask yourself what this word is pointing us to. We are told that Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice to make us his own and that we belong to him, to his world. Our world here on earth is only a temporary stop for us in our life (vv.12-14). Therefore, we need to praise him, praise God for his deliverance, for his faithfulness, for his love and dedication to us. And as we do this, we are to be dedicated to the one who gave his all for us.
What caught my attention in the header verse are the words ‘through Jesus’. I can only truly praise God through Jesus: because of all he has done for us, because of the demonstration of his love for us, because he is our advocate with God. It is through Jesus that we have faith, and our faith is built up. It is through Jesus that I have come to love my fellow humanity. It is through Jesus that I came to know that I needed salvation and that this salvation he provided.
I realised how much I need help this week, as I gazed at the dashboard of my daughter’s new car. There were so many features the salesperson took a good half hour to explain them. I must admit that the explanations went over my head, as they say. I still did not understand what they were saying. It was only through the guidance of the salesperson that I could turn the vents on and off. The owner’s manual must have been three inches thick.
We all need help in one way or another. We help others, but someone helped us first. The words ‘through Jesus’ made an impression on me this week, as I realised how much I need Jesus, and welcome him in my life. Through Jesus I have a new life, therefore I really live. Through Jesus and his power, I have all that I need to do his will, therefore, I do the things that pleases him. Through Jesus, I have security and comfort, therefore, I have his peace.
Through the salvation, direction, healing, and help of Jesus, through the Spirit and in the love of the Father, I have purpose, hope and his forgiveness, mercy, and grace, therefore, I have a life worth living and the ability and the desire to praise God. Through Jesus I have the help I need, therefore, I will praise his mighty and glorious name.
Prayer
Wonderful and marvellous God, you are all we need in this world and you so generously provide these needs. Help us to see the difference from our wants and what we really need. Guide us in the path that we should take. Drawing closer to you is our desire. Through Jesus we are truly blessed. We praise and thank you, God, Amen.
|
Study by: Anne Gillam About the author: |
|
Local congregation:
You are welcome to attend one of our local church congregations located throughout the UK and Ireland. For details of your nearest local congregation check on our website, Grace Communion International | Grace Communion International under the ‘Churches’ tab, or ring +44 (0)1858 437099.
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church