Todays “coffee with the Lord” post is a sequel to yesterday’s post…
So, if reflecting on God as He has revealed Himself (in creation, in Scripture, and personally) as Apostle Paul did (Romans 1-11) has the ability to produce a “powerful experience of personal worship” as it did in Paul’s life (Romans 11:33-36… read it again today!) … The question arises, is that “the highest form of praise and worship?” Romans 11:33-36 is certainly powerful! In fact, most Bible scholars acknowledge it as an incredible expression of personal worship – a “doxology” of the highest order! But the question remains… Would Apostle Paul have considered it the “highest praise?”
I think not! My belief is that Paul would have argued that Romans 12:1-2 was his expression of “the highest praise!” All the contextual clues point that direction! Here is what he had to say…
“I appeal to you [a very powerful Greek word – “parakaleo”] therefore by the mercies of God [which points back to everything he had to say in chapters 1-11, especially ending with 11:33-36] TO PRESENT YOUR BODIES AS A LIVING SACRIFICE, HOLY AND ACCEPTABLE TO GOD, WHICH IS YOUR SPIRITUAL WORSHIP!” (12:1)
A full, complete commitment (a worshipful sacrifice, if your please, of all that you are and have) Paul declares is “THE HIGHEST PRAISE!” … “All in” – “top to bottom” – “inside – out” is “The highest praise, the rational, Spiritual response to God, who has revealed Himself in Jesus Christ through the Gospel!
WOW! And how does that play itself out every day of our lives? The next verse: “Do not be conformed to this world [i.e. don’t allow “this world” to press you into its mold!] but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God – what is good and acceptable and perfect!” (12:2)
There’s an old worship song that expresses my desire today…
“After all He’s done for me…
After all He’s done for me!
How could I do less than give Him my best…
And live for Him completely! After all He’s done for me!”
Coffee With The Lord 