Sacrificial thanksgiving is a kind of thanksgiving (or expression of gratitude to God for what he has done) by presenting an offering. In 2 Samuel 24:24 (also seen in 1 Chronicles 21:24), we see David’s expression of gratitude to God - He presents a kind of thanksgiving to God, and we see his decision of; not giving God an offering that had cost him nothing. This form of thanksgiving is the sacrificial thanksgiving. 1 Samuel 1:24-28 teaches on two expressions of sacrificial thanksgiving, distinguished by the offering.
The first expression involves offering;
In this expression of sacrificial thanksgiving, the substance of sacrifice – i.e. what is being offered or what we use to say thank you to God – is often not the promise itself. From the passage (in verse 24) we see Hannah presenting three bullocks, one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, as her sacrificial thanksgiving offering, in gratitude to God for the fulfillment of the promise (Samuel). Another practical example of the first expression; is when I give £10 (or any other thing) to show my gratitude to God for healing me or for keeping me alive.
The second expression involves offering;
In this expression of sacrificial thanksgiving, the substance of sacrifice is the promise itself. In verse 28 of the passage, we see Hannah expressing her gratitude to God by presenting Samuel (the promise), as the thanksgiving offering.
Why is this study important? Why sacrificial thanksgiving? This is because, (alongside prayer/supplication), sacrificial thanksgiving unlocks the full promises, so we have to know it and act accordingly – live it.
In the first book of Samuel, we see the promise fulfilled (1:19-20) after the prayer and supplication (1:10), and the fullness of the promise (2:20-21) after the thanksgiving (1:24-28).
Romans 12:1. As with the second expression of sacrificial thanksgiving, we can offer our bodies as a living sacrifice (through holy living), for the fullness of His purpose – an understanding of His revealed perfect will. Scriptures also show that Jesus modelled thanksgiving/sacrificial thanksgiving, even unto death. (Matthew 11:25, 15:36; John 11:40-42; Luke 22:14-20; Jesus was thankful for the cross – the cup and the bread – His blood and His flesh – His suffering/death on the cross. And the glory followed the sacrificial thanksgiving. Philippians 2:8-11)
We pray in the name of Jesus; that our everyday life will be that of sacrificial thanksgiving as modelled by Christ. Amen.
God bless you.
The first expression involves offering;
for the promise (as seen in verse 24).
In this expression of sacrificial thanksgiving, the substance of sacrifice – i.e. what is being offered or what we use to say thank you to God – is often not the promise itself. From the passage (in verse 24) we see Hannah presenting three bullocks, one ephah of flour, and a bottle of wine, as her sacrificial thanksgiving offering, in gratitude to God for the fulfillment of the promise (Samuel). Another practical example of the first expression; is when I give £10 (or any other thing) to show my gratitude to God for healing me or for keeping me alive.
The second expression involves offering;
of the promise (as seen in verse 28).
In this expression of sacrificial thanksgiving, the substance of sacrifice is the promise itself. In verse 28 of the passage, we see Hannah expressing her gratitude to God by presenting Samuel (the promise), as the thanksgiving offering.
Why is this study important? Why sacrificial thanksgiving? This is because, (alongside prayer/supplication), sacrificial thanksgiving unlocks the full promises, so we have to know it and act accordingly – live it.
In the first book of Samuel, we see the promise fulfilled (1:19-20) after the prayer and supplication (1:10), and the fullness of the promise (2:20-21) after the thanksgiving (1:24-28).
- The promise: 1 Samuel 1:19 …and the Lord remembered her.
- The fullness: 1 Samuel 2:20 and 21…shows that Hannah was blessed with more children because of the sacrificial thanksgiving (the loan – Samuel – she lent to the Lord). Sometimes, it is easier to hold back in thanksgiving offering when we have already received a promise, whereas there is a fullness that lies beyond the thanksgiving. We see the same lesson in the healing of the ten lepers in Luke 17:11-19.
Romans 12:1. As with the second expression of sacrificial thanksgiving, we can offer our bodies as a living sacrifice (through holy living), for the fullness of His purpose – an understanding of His revealed perfect will. Scriptures also show that Jesus modelled thanksgiving/sacrificial thanksgiving, even unto death. (Matthew 11:25, 15:36; John 11:40-42; Luke 22:14-20; Jesus was thankful for the cross – the cup and the bread – His blood and His flesh – His suffering/death on the cross. And the glory followed the sacrificial thanksgiving. Philippians 2:8-11)
We pray in the name of Jesus; that our everyday life will be that of sacrificial thanksgiving as modelled by Christ. Amen.
God bless you.