About Praising God
Luke records a time when “The whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works they had seen” (Lk. 19:37). The passage suggests or illustrates some important things about praise.
- Praising God is something “disciples” do, those who are committed followers of the Lord.
- It is an activity in which we “all” should engage.
- God’s people should unite in praise, as they did here. Their corporate praise was unified and apparently unanimous.
- It was joyful–like the announcement of His coming had been (Lk. 2:10). However there is an irony here. With a better understanding, Jesus weeps in the midst of their joy (vs. 41). On this side of eternity, no joy is unmitigated.
- It was “loud.” This indicates enthusiasm, and it meant their praise became a witness to those around. Praise should not be deafening or raucous. But if it is clear and forceful it can be a testimony to others.
- It was necessary (vs. 40), implying that it was also supremely appropriate to the moment. Something great and long-promised was happening (cf. Zech. 9:9-10). Praise was necessary in spite of the objections of unbelief (vs. 39). There are times when God simply must be praised.
- The reason for praise given here is “the mighty works they had seen” in the earthly ministry of Christ–but also in the fulfilment of God sovereign purpose in the presentation of the King (vs. 38).
- Praise in this life must be tinged with compassion and concern. For while we rejoice and praise the Lord, many are still in bondage and spiritual darkness (vs. 41-42). It is not too much to suggest that a praising heart will also be a missionary heart, seeking to bring others into the experience of praise.