Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Significance: Praise from the living refers to the act of expressing reverence, adoration, and gratitude to God by those who are alive. It is a fundamental aspect of worship and is deeply rooted in the biblical tradition. Praise is not only a response to God's character and deeds but also a commandment for believers, reflecting a life that acknowledges God's sovereignty and goodness.
Biblical Foundation: The Bible emphasizes the importance of praise from the living, highlighting it as a vital expression of faith and devotion. In the Psalms, which serve as a rich source of praise literature, the living are repeatedly called to praise God.
Psalm 150:6 declares, "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Hallelujah!" This verse underscores the universality of praise, extending the call to all living beings.
Purpose of Praise: Praise serves multiple purposes in the life of a believer. It is an acknowledgment of God's majesty and a response to His mighty works.
Psalm 145:3 states, "Great is the LORD and greatly to be praised; His greatness is unsearchable." Praise also functions as a means of spiritual edification, drawing believers closer to God and fostering a sense of community among the faithful.
Expressions of Praise: Praise can be expressed in various forms, including singing, prayer, and proclamation of God's deeds. The Psalms often illustrate these expressions, as seen in
Psalm 95:1-2 : "Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD; let us shout to the Rock of our salvation! Let us enter His presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to Him in song."
Praise in the Life of Jesus and the Early Church: Jesus Himself modeled a life of praise, often giving thanks to the Father and teaching His disciples to do the same. In the New Testament, the early church continued this tradition, as seen in
Acts 2:46-47 : "With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people."
Theological Implications: Praise from the living is not merely a ritualistic act but a profound theological statement. It affirms God's rightful place as the Creator and Sustainer of life.
Isaiah 38:19 captures this sentiment: "The living, only the living, can thank You, as I do today; fathers will tell their children about Your faithfulness."
Eschatological Perspective: The Bible also presents an eschatological dimension to praise, where the living anticipate the ultimate fulfillment of God's kingdom.
Revelation 5:13 envisions a future where all creation joins in praise: "And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying: 'To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power forever and ever!'"
Conclusion: While the entry does not include a conclusion, it is evident that praise from the living is a central theme in the biblical narrative, reflecting a life oriented towards God and His eternal purposes.