18/02/2011 - Paying tribute to the Lord

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“Give unto the LORD, O you mighty ones, give unto the LORD glory and strength.” (Psalm 29: 1)

The New King James version begins the verse above with the following words: “Give unto the Lord”. That means “pay tribute to Him”. Now, the word “tribute” refers also to payment of taxes, improvement contributions, etc. established by a ruler or nation to be paid by all citizens of a country so the establishment will work. Some people fail to pay some taxes to the government and they’ll be charged interests and fines, and currency adjustments and some might even be arrested. Stealing is considered a crime and a sin by the Most High!

We pay taxes over the income we get from our job and over the profit for selling something and over the inheritance our parents have left us. To pay tribute in the context above has to do about praising the Lord for something He’s already done for us. The verse mentioned above states that we’re expected to praise Him for glory and power. So, we understand that we can ask our good God for those two gifts: glory and power.

We’re recognised as servants of the Lord with His “glory”. He lifts us up and He makes our names be known amongst our siblings, friends and even by those we don’t know. Our Creator honors us with such a wonderful gift so, it’s fair enough to pay Him tribute for His glory. If we’re praised for any virtue we might have or for something we might’ve done to benefit others, perhaps those in need or even the very work of God, it’s our duty to recognise that all glory is to be given to our Lord, and not to us. The sentence “modesty aside I’m just the best” undoubtedly comes from the devil because we’re nothing at all without the divine assistance! Those who are wise give all Glory to God, the One who leads us in triumph wherever we go.

Recognising that all power comes from the Lord is also a biblical commandment. Only the powerful hand of our Father at work can do the following: to strengthen us in the battles against our enemy; in the encouraging words we say to those in need; to accomplish any task, etc. What’s the point of thinking the glory is yours? I must confess that I lack words at times before some meetings; I lack words even for a prayer; yet, I turn to God and He uses me powerfully. I simply credit my success to him.

The verse above states that the children of the powerful ones must do the same. It’s good to know that we were conquered to Christ through someone who let himself or herself to be used by the Lord because he or she operated powerfully! His or her spiritual experience; his or her submission to God and everything he or she did are the cause for us to be saved. The grace that came over us first dwelt in that servant of the Lord. Praying in their favor is a duty which we must never give up. Get ready to also be qualified as such; so your spiritual children will pay tribute to the Lord for His glory and power as well when they’re experiencing success and they’ll feel the pleasure to be called children of the powerful ones.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares