Introduction: Do you ever feel like you OWE the Lord for His GOODNESS and GRACE? But how could we ever repay Him? Listen to the words of the Psalmist.
1. Will you Offer Thanksgiving to God! (Psa 50:14) – “Offer unto God thanksgiving; and pay thy vows unto the most High.”
The word “thanksgiving” used here — תּוֹדָה (to-daw’) — which means a “THANKS OFFERING.” Other usages can mean thanking God in song or by a musical instrument. Either way, it is a choice. Will you choose to offer thanksgiving to the Lord?
Barnes Notes on the Bible stated, “The word rendered ‘offer’ in this place — זָבַח (zabach) — means properly ‘sacrifice.’ So it is rendered by the Septuagint, θῦσον (thuson) — and by the Vulgate, immola. The word is used, doubtless, with design — to show what was the ‘kind’ of sacrifice with which God would be pleased, and which He would approve. It was not the mere ‘sacrifice’ of animals, as they commonly understood the term; it was not the mere presentation of the bodies and the blood of slain beasts; it was an offering which proceeded from the heart, and which was expressive of gratitude and praise.”
That is a good word rightly spoken.
Also the word “vows” is — נֶדֶר (neder) — which means properly a vow or promise. How many times have you cried out to God with a vow? Have you kept your end?
2. Have you counted all of God’s Benefits? (Psa 116:12) – “What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me?”
Can you list all of the Lord’s benefits? Forgiveness, health, family, heaven, etc. The word “render” means return. In other words, what can we return to the Lord for all of His benefits?
Actually, He desires a relationship. Since He is all knowing, then He wants us to TRUST HIM. Are you trusting Him fully?
Conclusion: Do you conclude that we OWE our God a great debt of THANKSGIVING? Are you willing to “offer” it now with a vow of living and serving Him?
Love y’all,
Dr. Randy Reese