Sacrifices of Praise

August 24, 2025 Background Scripture: Hebrews 13 - 21 Lesson Passage: Hebrews 13:9 - 21 Neither the author nor the recipients of this letter are explicitly identified in this letter. Furthermore, known authors of the other New Testament writings do not refer to this letter although they addressed many of the same concerns. However, the internal evidence within this letter is insightful. Throughout this letter, the author addresses the recipients as brethren. The author also refers to many Old Testament scriptures and teachings as though they were familiar to the recipients. It is for these reasons that many scholars believe this letter was written to Christian Jews, or Hebrews. The author of the letter did not include the words, "To the Hebrews", but the evidence within the letter alludes to it. Our Background Scripture revolves around the concept of the altar and religious sacrifices of the Levitical Law. When we use the word "sacrifice" in our society, rarely do we think of it in terms of a religious practice, We tend to think of a sacrifice as doing something we find inconvenient, or we willingly tolerate something we might find objectionable. In both cases, we believe we have made a sacrifice. However, Jews in the first century, when this letter was written, were taught to think of sacrifice as a religious act of faith. It was not a matter of inconvenience. It was a matter of making a personal connection with God. In the Law, those who brought animals to be sacrificed to God by the priest, participated in the meaning of the sacrifice by eating the meat of the animal that was killed and offered to God on the altar. They understood that their consumption of the meat that was sacrificed on the altar was their way of identifying with the animal that died on their behalf. They believed their participation in the process was their way of accepting that God had forgiven them of sin because the animal died on the altar for their sin. The priest offered the blood of the sacrifice before God in the sanctuary of the tabernacle (later the temple). Eating at the altar was both a privilege and a right that was granted to the Jewish priest. Certain body parts of the sacrifice were burned outside of Israel's encampment. The author of this epistle used the analogy of Jesus being crucified on Calvary outside of Jerusalem as a comparison, or fulfillment of God's plan. The cross on Calva1Y that bore Jesus became God's altar, and Jesus is the final sacrifice for sin. Likewise, Jesus offered His own blood to God on behalf of believers. We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus. It is for this reason Christians ought to praise God by giving thanks to Jesus' name. In other words, praise is becoming of Christians, but it should not be seen as sufficient. Christians must also do the works that are befitting of those who have been saved from eternal damnation because of Jesus' blood, Benevolent love should motivate us to meet the needs of others we encounter. In fact, benevolent love should be the lifestyle of Christians. A Christian's good works done in faith are also sacrifices to God. We should respect and follow those God has assigned as our leaders. All have sinned and come short of God's glory; all includes spiritual leaders. Despite the shortcomings of spiritual leaders, spiritual leaders must still give an account to God for those they are assigned to shepherd. Therefore, spiritual leaders need prayer and sincere eff01t from those who follow them. It is difficult enough just to give an account for oneself. Each of us must depend on God to work in us that which pleases Him. As we grow spiritually, we grow into areas of ministry God has assigned for us. As we all mature spiritually, we collectively behave as one body in Christ, Then all of us will express gratitude to God by giving thanks and offering Him the sacrifice of praise. Robert C. Hudson July 31, 2025