Many times we celebrate special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, dedications, Thanksgiving, Christmas & New Year to name a few. As much as possible, we take time to prepare to make the celebration grand and a memorable one. But why do we celebrate such occasions? We celebrate because we want to commemorate special events that take place in our lives. Such occasion brings memories and joy as we celebrate them.
But when it comes to celebration of praise, there is noth
ing quite like it the way the Israelites did it. You’ve probably never been to a worship service quite like the one the Israelites held after they reached the safe side of the Red Sea. The book of Exodus 15 is probably the best congregational worship pattern one could ever find in the Bible. This is where the people had just seen God save them from certain death. They had come within an eyelash of being pushed into the sea by the charging forces of Pharaoh’s army. Relentlessly, the soldiers in chariots chased them down half way across the Red Sea (Exodus 14:5-9). In panic, the children of Israel had cried out for help (v. 10). In response, God parted the sea, allowing the people to cross (v. 16, 21-22). But when the Egyptians rode onto the seabed, God caused the waters to cascade down on them (v. 28).
ing quite like it the way the Israelites did it. You’ve probably never been to a worship service quite like the one the Israelites held after they reached the safe side of the Red Sea. The book of Exodus 15 is probably the best congregational worship pattern one could ever find in the Bible. This is where the people had just seen God save them from certain death. They had come within an eyelash of being pushed into the sea by the charging forces of Pharaoh’s army. Relentlessly, the soldiers in chariots chased them down half way across the Red Sea (Exodus 14:5-9). In panic, the children of Israel had cried out for help (v. 10). In response, God parted the sea, allowing the people to cross (v. 16, 21-22). But when the Egyptians rode onto the seabed, God caused the waters to cascade down on them (v. 28). That’s when the celebration began! Joyously, the people of Israel praised God for His strength and salvation (Exodus 15:2), His power (v. 6), His greatness (v. 7), His holiness (v. 11), His mercy, redemption and guidance (v. 13), and His eternal reign over them (v. 18). They poured out their hearts in worship to the God of their salvation.
Now let me ask you this: Why do you think we need to praise God? We all know that it is easy to praise God when great things happen or when you receive an answer to your prayer. But when difficult or bad things happen, we often react by blaming others or even our own self, which only compounds the problem. But if you refuse to react to your problems and move immediately into the realm of praising God, things will turn out differently. When our first reaction to anything that happens in our lives is an affirmation of praise to God for who He is, we invite His presence to inhabit the situation and His power to come and change things. This is the power hidden in praising God. We simply praise God because He is our creator, our heavenly Father, because He loves us unconditionally, He has forgiven us, because of His presence through the Holy Spirit, He is Holy, a good God, all-powerful, He has a purpose in your life, He is faithful, because of His promises, and so many other reasons and attributes.
Now look over the attributes for which the Israelites praised God. Review how God’s character has touched your life over the past year. Find ways to honor Him in worship. The God who parted the sea is the same God who makes a way for you. It’s appropriate to pour out our uninhibited praise on God when we see Him work in great and miraculous ways. But those aren’t the only times He deserves our adoration. Many times we wait for God to perform a big answer to our prayer before we even feel like singing Him praises. Just think about it: God does not owe us any miracles. He does not need to do anything to prove us His greatness. He has already given us an incredible display of His power in His creation. He has made the ultimate sacrifice, His only Son Jesus Christ, to purchase our redemption. Through His power, He has conducted the most miraculous transaction known to mankind – He brought us from spiritual death to spiritual life that is eternal.
How should you worship the Lord? Every thought or action should be done out of honor for Him and His greatness. Our hearts and voices should be filled with the kind of praise expressed in Psalm 98 since praise should come from a graceful heart. Our expressions of thanksgiving are a sacrifice to Him (Psalm 116:17). Surely enough, we benefit when we turn our attention to God, either in prayer, singing, worship, or reading the Scripture, but that should not be our motivation. We don’t worship God just to gain His benefits because we already have those. It’s not for us that we worship God. It should always be for Him.
As the new year comes, do you have other reasons for celebrating it apart from being in festive mood and mingling with your party friends? Or are you still waiting for a miracle like the parting of the Red Sea before you sing your praises? God has done plenty enough of them already. Give Him your celebration of praise and unconditional worship for there is none like Him. “Who is like unto thee, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?” Exodus 15:11 (KJV).
Bible passage to read: Exodus 15:1-21
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
“GOD’S GREAT POWER DESERVES OUR GRATEFUL PRAISE”
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