Ascribe to Yahweh the glory of His name;
Lift up an offering and come into His courts.
— Psalm 96:8
Throughout scripture we see numerous instances of highly valuable gifts being given by one person to another. Abraham and Melchizedek (Gen 14:20b). The Queen of Sheba and Solomon (1 Kings 10:2). Ben Hadad and Elisha (2 Kings 8:9). The Magi and Jesus (Matt 2:11b). We may be tempted to look upon this practice with the mild contempt usually reserved for quaint and antiquated traditions. Nevertheless, humanly speaking, there is a pattern here. And if not a pattern, then at least a principle: that to come bearing gifts is a sign of the giver’s respect for the recipient. That the worth of the gift communicates how highly the giver esteems them. This is what Ps 96:8 is telling us.
Baked into this principle is the idea of authority; specifically, the gift is the giver’s way of acknowledging that the recipient has authority over them.
What kind of tribute are we bringing before our King? This is not merely financial (though that is important); but it is a matter of our heart. True, money can buy expensive and lavish gifts; and yet no price can be put on a life that is wholly and solely devoted to the King of kings (Romans 12:1). What is our tribute saying about how much we esteem Him? May we determine to acknowledge His authority by giving Him the place of priority in our lives.
Praise, my soul, the King of heaven;
To His feet Thy tribute bring.
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
Evermore His praises sing.
Alleluia, alleluia!
Praise the everlasting King!
— Henry Francis Lyte (1834)
— Contributed by Peter Rufus