Sing praises to the Lord, for he has done gloriously; let this be known in all the earth. Isaiah 12:5  

When Paul and Barnabas arrived in Antioch they called the church together and related all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith for the Gentiles. Acts 14:27  

When we walk into our church this month, we see on the doors a sign: “Glory to God.” As part of our month of Joy and fun here at CTK, we were reminded to start each day by praising and thanking God for each and every day. Right as we get out of bed in the morning – first thing we do. Then there was the “happy dance” to do as we go about our day and accomplish tasks.   

In Acts we see Paul and Barnabas as they arrive in Antioch. They have been traveling and preaching and healing and want to share what has happened, with “the church.” They don’t have a building to go to, somewhere that can have posters on doors, and a sanctuary and pianos and organs. They gather the church together, the church being the people who are believers. Once together they share all that has happened on their journey that God has done with them. Not boasting of their wonderful accomplishments, but rather relating what God has done. Through them Gentiles can now come to faith, as they have seen and heard the Gospel in action. One can only imagine the praises sung and the happy dances as the church hears this wonderful news.  

Isaiah too tells the people to sing praises to the Lord, for all that was done for them by God during the Exodus and their life in their new land. No matter the problems along the way, God has been there in all His glory. The praise is not just among heard by them; it is to be shared throughout the whole earth. Just as Paul is happy to have the Gentiles included, so Isaiah centuries before wants to include the whole world and so are we today as we see the Gospel spread around the entire world. 

We can join with others to sing and talking about all the wonderful things God has done and will do for us. Maybe even do a happy dance. Fortunately we have lots and lots of hymns that have been written that help us to sing praises, such as the hymn “Praise to the Lord”  Verse four:  

“Praise to the Lord! Oh let all that is in me adore him! 

All that has life and breath , come now with praises before him! 

Let the Amen sound from his people again 

Gladly forever adore him!”  

Glory to you, O God, for all of your works are worthy of praise. We rejoice today, Lord, in your glory and majesty. Your works are wonderful from our little corner of creation to the ends of the earth! As you speak to us, help us to listen. Open our hearts to receive your grace and open our mouths to speak and sing the Good News of Jesus, your Son who opens the door to resurrected life.  Amen  

Chris Gabel 

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party