Friday Faithfuls 2: Hebrews

 Posted by Lisa Laree to Beer Lahai Roi

Hebrews is an interesting book.  It doesn't have the intro bit all the other Epistles have.   It's frequently attributed to Paul, but the usual identifiers Paul included in his epistles are not there.  But if it wasn't written by Paul, it was certainly written by someone who had studied under Paul. "Our brother Timothy" is mentioned as having been released (from prison?), so it would definitely have been someone in that circle.

We have some truly amazing logic and application of scriptures from the Law and the Prophets to the life and teachings of Jesus, showing the progression of God's working from the Aaronic priesthood through to the sacrifice and resurrection of Jesus.

But the bit that caught my eye today may have done so because of recent events in the news.

Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise -- the fruit of lips that confess his name.  Heb 13: 15

And I would offer one caution...if the praise is offered to God, other people don't get to decide if it's legit or not.

Something that looks authentic to you or me may be offered out of the wrong spirit, with the wrong attitude.  Something that looks lame or put on to you or me may actually be coming from a broken heart, who has just felt the authentic touch of God heal that place that could not be touched.  Or someone with incredible talent could be offering to God the best they have...whether it is singing, playing an instrument or, dare I say it, running the lights?  

It's the why that matters.  No one but God knows the why in an individual's heart...or what actual sacrifice their praise may be.

It is kind of a sad thing to feel the need to judge someone else's worship.

If I am being critical of another's worship...my own worship has faltered and is no longer continuous.

Just something to keep in mind over the next few weeks...whatever they may bring.