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| https://blogs.thegospelcoalition.org/kevindeyoung/2014/07/15/ |
In Sunday school class, we recently had a discussion that
led into talk about the rote, ritualistic prayers or songs we repeat as a part
of worshiping God.
Do we realize what we are saying when we sing the
Doxology?
Let’s take a look at the words we sing:
In the Doxology we sing: “Praise God, from whom all
blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures below; praise him above, ye heavenly
hosts; praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. (1)
“Praise God, from
whom all blessings flow;”
We
are to give God thanks and commend Him. Several years ago I heard a child of evangelists’
defined praise as “giving God a compliment.” He wants us to remember that ALL
blessings come from Him. The physical, spiritual, the relational ones, as well
as the financial, come from God.
“Praise Him all
creatures below;”
The
writer tells us that each of God’s creatures are to praise Him for making us.
Psalm 139 tells us that God knew us before we were formed. The birds sing
beautiful songs to God almost every morning. Jesus tells us that if we don’t
sing out the rocks will. (Luke 19 :37-40, NIV)
“praise him above,
ye heavenly hosts;”
These
words tell us that even the angels are to revere and worship God. I am always reminded of the seraphs that
Isaiah saw in the temple. They were worshiping God.
“praise Father,
Son and Holy Ghost.”
The
one who penned these words reminds us to praise God, who created us, Jesus, who
sanctified us from sin, and the Holy Spirit, who sustains us.
As we sang this yesterday morning, I found myself thinking about the words we were singing. It was no longer a chant I sang from memory. I found myself actually giving praise to God.
1. 1. United Methodist
hymnal 1969, United Methodist Publishing House, Nashville, Tennessee Number 95.
I LOVE The Doxology...and I find it to be a the ultimate worship song! Amazing, that little chorus we have sung routinely in most churches since our childhood...often after the offering is collected...but when I look at it the way you have described it here, it becomes so much more than just a chorus of thanksgiving...it is truly a PRAISE song from beginning to end...full of worship and adoration. Thank you for reminding us of these precious words and their true meaning.
ReplyDeletePam: Thank you for you thoughtful comments. I wish every one who claims Jesus as their Savior could realize what they are singing when they sing this song. The message is so deep. Peace and Blessings to you and yours.
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