"Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise - the fruit of lips that confess His name." - Hebrews 13:15
Sometimes I don't feel like praising God. I guess that's where this verse comes in... God is worthy to be praised no matter what, and how I feel is irrelevant. It might very well be a sacrifice on my part to praise Him, but I would be a fool not to give honour where honour is due.
I have this picture in my head of people from every tribe and tongue and nation worshiping around the Throne, but it isn't the normal picture of people standing victoriously. It's a picture of wounded people from every tribe and tongue and nation - crawling, limping, bloodied and bruised, having just come in from a fierce battle to offer God their praise. Some can barely muster the strength to speak, but what strength they have left they give in worship to their King.
Jesus walks around, touching each one, lifting a chin here, helping another to their feet, and as they worship they begin to stand in a strength that is not theirs. Their voices become healthy and clear as their wounds begin to heal. Joy and peace replace the worry and cares. Oh, they still bear the scars of battle, but they have been restored, redeemed, refreshed.
Tonight as I prepare to go to bed, it is winter here in the Highveld - the house is about 48 degrees (9 Celcius) inside, and my nose is perpetually cold. But I will fall asleep thinking about my Jesus and find warmth in the following verse:
"He will cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge; His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart." - Psalm 91:4
1 comment:
Angela,
Your description of broken people arriving in Heaven and praising Jesus as God and His response of making them perfect is more meaningful to me than any I have ever read. Thanks.
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