THE SACRIFICE OF THANKSGIVING

I will offer You a sacrifice of thanksgiving, And call upon the name of the Lord. – PSALM 116:17

The sacrifice of thanksgiving in the Old Testament cost the life of an animal, given by the worshiper for the shedding of its blood. King David said in Psalm 69:30-31, I will praise the name of God with song and magnify Him with thanksgiving. And it will please the LORD better than an ox or a young bull with horns and hoofs.

This fits the sentiment of the New Covenant, since Jesus shed His blood for our sins. It is important for us, as we celebrate Thanksgiving Day, to consider all God has done for us, and to humble ourselves in submission to Him, making that a sacrifice of thanksgiving.

2 Corinthians 9:15 - Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

Even more so, this should not be reserved for one day a year, but is something we should have in our hearts at all times, expressed each day.

Psalms 34:1 - I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

Psalms 92:2 - To declare Your lovingkindness in the morning and Your faithfulness by night,…

Psalms 104:33 - I will sing to the LORD as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being.

Hebrews 13:15 tells us, Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.

This is worship, recognizing Who God is, glorifying His character and His attributes, thanking Him for His works and His Word. It is an act of humility on our part, submitting ourselves to God for His guidance, protection, and provision. Submission to the power of the Holy Spirit allows Him to live the life of Christ through us.

King David said, in 1 Chronicles 29:13 – Now therefore, our God, we thank You, and praise Your glorious name.

Psalms 104:34 says, Let my meditation be pleasing to Him; as for me, I shall be glad in the LORD.

Think and pray
This Thanksgiving season, let us make a sacrifice of thanksgiving and praise which extends beyond one day, and becomes a daily sacrifice, in glorification of God, Who has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness. 2 Peter 1:3

Lord, teach me to offer you a heart of thanksgiving and praise in all my daily experiences of life. Teach me to be joyful always, to pray continually and to give thanks in all my circumstances. Amen.

Eldon Kibbey has served as the Director of CBMC Indiana since 1998. His earlier career included a tour of duty with the US Air Force, a brief career in the aerospace industry with McDonnell Aircraft Corporation, and then 26 years at the helm of a national janitorial service. Eldon and his wife, Sandy, are the parents of four children, and have three grandsons.