TEXT:

‘When the religious leaders saw the outrageous things he was doing, and heard all the children running and shouting through the Temple, “Hosanna to David’s Son!” they were up in arms and took him to task. “Do you hear what these children are saying?” Jesus said, “Yes, I hear them. And haven’t you read in God’s Word, ‘From the mouths of children and babies I’ll furnish a place of praise’?”’ – Matthew 21:15-16 The Message

THOUGHT:

Sometimes the problem is simply this: there are some people you just cannot please whatever you say or do. They never show their appreciation, nor say, “Thank you!” Matthew 21:12-16 records how Jesus cleared the merchants and money changers out of the temple. Then He healed the blind and lame. Even the children ended up excitedly praising God saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” They were copying what the multitudes had been shouting as Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey.

This was the final straw for the chief priests and scribes. Unable to deny the fact that Jesus was doing wonderful miracles, they tried to silence the praise. In reply, Jesus reminded them of Psalm 8:2, that what the children were doing was a fulfilment of prophecy.

There really is a power in praise. It is important that new Christians learn to praise God and say “Thank you”, not forgetting to continue in that way as they get older.

What does praise do in the life of a true believer?

• It remembers blessing – ‘Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits’ – Psalm 103:2

How sad that out of ten lepers Jesus miraculously healed, only one returned to the source of their healing with a heart-felt thank you.

Even when we pray, we should mix in praise. ‘Let your requests be made known to God with thanksgiving’ – Philippians 4:6. We must remind ourselves of what He has done, the prayers He has answered, for that will inspire faith to ask for more. Start with lively praise and by the end you will have even more things to say “Thank you” for!

• It recovers strength – ‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have ordained strength, because of Your enemies’ – Psalm 8:2

‘Let the weak say, “I am strong”’ – Joel 3:10. ‘Call the things which do not exist as though they did’ – Romans 4:17. Try this: talk negatively and feel the energy of your body falling away. Talk positively and experience life-giving strength starting to flow into every part of your body. It is little wonder that positive people are usually healthier than those who are continually negative. Praising Christians are stronger spiritually than those who continually complain.

• It routs the enemy – ‘That You may silence the enemy and the avenger’ – Psalm 8:2.

Your enemies will end up with nothing evil to say about you. The Holy Spirit will give you an answer that your enemies cannot gainsay. The religious authorities could not condemn Christ through the lies and accusations of false witnesses. They could only do it because He told them the truth, “I am the Son of God!” Praise believes that all things are working together for good even in the darkest hour, so that the enemy ends up on the run, not the Christian!

This month’s challenge, along with inviting someone to the Christmas services, is to change your speech. Surprise your friends, family, work colleagues and especially your partner by saying, “Thank you” as many times as you can. Of course, really mean it! Then see the effect it has on your relationships, employment and health. You will be amazed at the results and those around you may well be astounded.

Do the same with God and the same things will take place spiritually.

‘Enter His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise. Be thankful to Him and bless His name’ – Psalm 100:4.