ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
August 23, 2025
Tomorrow is Sunday, and in worship, we are going to be focusing our attention on praise. I know, it sounds a little redundant. The Hebrew word (the Old Testament) we often translate as praise is yadah. It is a word associated with the hand, and it literally means to throw something away from yourself, like a rock. But the idea, in regard to our relationship with God, is to extend our hands in thanksgiving or to cry out to God with the wringing of one’s hands. It’s interesting how praise, at least when translating this Hebrew word, is less vocal and more body-oriented. I don’t know about you, but when I think about praising God, it is often with singing or joyful shouting, but if your praise is yadah, then you are going to be moving your body. In the Greek (the New Testament), one of the words translated as praise is doxazó, which means to glorify, honor, or render something as excellent. That sounds like something done with your voice, though I guess you could honor God with your life, specifically your actions. There are other Hebrew and Greek words sometimes translated as praise, including the idea of heaping on or covering over something, like you are gushing over God. I sort of like that as well. In scripture, praise is sometimes expressed within the larger worshiping community, while other times it occurs within the context of family or even by someone alone. However, I believe we should be cautious about narrowly defining praise, as this could limit how individuals perceive their ability to express themselves before God. Additionally, it’s important to avoid thinking of praising God as a means of earning God’s affection or obtaining God’s favor. This perspective portrays God as a narcissist who craves human attention to flatter the divine ego, which feels like sucking up. If that’s the nature of God, I don’t believe I want to associate with such a deity. Ultimately, I’m not concerned. God appears to be far more sophisticated and healthy than that.
With gratitude bubbling up within, O Amazing God, I bring forth words of praise and a life that seeks to honor you. May the love I feel for you continue to stretch toward you, the Source of Love. This is my hope! Amen.
