SOAP 07/12/2014; Isaiah 12:5

Today's reading: Isaiah 11, 12, 13, 14; Hebrews 9

S) "⁵ Praise the Lord in song, for He has done excellent things;
Let this be known throughout the earth."

Isaiah 12:5 (NASB)

O) People praise all of the time. We praise celebrities for their charities. We praise co-workers for a job well done. We praise leaders for good decisions. We praise companies for great service. We are creatures that praise. Even the most cynical people will praise something or someone, somewhere, sometimes. No person, thing, or act, deserves our praise like the LORD does. The thing about the word excellent (like many adjectives of this nature), is that it is a relative term. It doesn't simply mean exceedingly good, but it really means the most good; the best. Whatever good can be done, God does it the best. We can praise others, but because of God's preeminent goodness, He deserves preeminent praise. If we're going to praise at all, God should receive it first. If we're going to praise at all, God should receive it most. And His preferred form of praise seems to be song, as again mentioned here.

A) In terms of how I will act on this Scripture, there are really only two points (or even 1a and 1b), because this verse is fairly straightforward. First, I need to be sure that I am praising the LORD as excellent. Second, my praise should be bold and purposeful. The reason I might tell someone about a bank that gave me great service (for example), is because I'm recommending that they give the bank a try. Praise is purposeful. In relation to God, the purpose of my praise is to tell everyone that God does excellently, and He alone is worthy of our devotion and obedience.

P) Father, You are excellent. Thank You for choosing me, for saving me, for drawing me to You. Let me dwell on Your excellence. Let me think on it daily, to remember how much better You are than any other. I want to give You preeminent praise. Let me be purposeful, with boldness, in my praise of You. Whether by song, or spoken testimony, or even just my daily actions, help me be bold when I glorify You. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.