November 10, 2017

Fitting Praise

“…in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of His glory.”  Eph. 1:12

In the New Testament we find different Greek words that are used to describe or mean praise.  The Greek word “epainos” is used 11 times in the New Testament.  It means, “fame, commendation, the accurate and enthusiastic acknowledgment of what deserves praise, or to fit praise.”  It paints a beautiful picture for us as we imagine ourselves “fitting praise” upon the Lord with our words, prayers, worships, and actions.      This word is used three times in the first chapter of Ephesians:  “to the praise of His glorious grace” (Eph. 1:6); “for the praise of His glory” (Eph. 1:12); and “to the praise of His glory.” (Eph. 1:14).  This is interesting, as these verses are part of Paul’s prayer to the church at Ephesus, in which God is described as acting for us in His Son, Jesus.  As we see King Jesus representing His chosen people (both Jew and Gentile, as Eph. 2:14-15 make clear), Paul prays for the Ephesians (and for us!) to get the understanding of who Jesus is and who we are in Him.  As we grasp the reality of that truth, we are naturally led to fit our praise upon the One whom is praiseworthy.  In fact, Paul begins the prayer in Eph. 1:3 with the word “praise” (eulogetos – meaning blessed or praise). 

This is a tremendous concept – fitting praise on our God.  It is a great way to approach worship, as we bring our psalms and hymns and spiritual songs (or what we call our contemporary worship of today) and we fit the words, the music, and the intent of our hearts around the Lord.  It can be seen as a beautiful way of outfitting the Lord with our praise, worship and adoration.