Thanksgiving in Tough Times #15

The book of Hebrews is full of imagery from the Old Testament, especially the system of sacrifices and priests.  The overall theme of the book is the superiority of Christ over all that has come before Him. In the final chapter, the writer gives a series of exhortations about how then we should live. He says in verse

14 For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. 15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name. 16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.

Here are the sacrifices God wants from us now - not animals on an altar, but our words of praise, our witness to His grace, and our generosity that shows we have received His salvation and forgiveness.  These are all to be done in the name of Christ.  For the Old Testament Jew, it was always about going to the Temple in Jerusalem to worship God, but for us we are not looking toward an earthly city, but a heavenly one, and eternal one, where we will forever be in His presence, where worship will be perfect. When we really comprehend what God has provided for us in Christ - so superior to all that was before - we will live lives of Thanksgiving.