The Hebrew word Todah has become the normal “Thanks” in modern culture, but it comes from a much deeper root meaning.
In the time of Psalms and moving into the times of Jesus and His disciples, Todah meant to give praise and thanks by lifting hands, in other words, showing appreciation and praise by offering something. Todah is one of the 7 words in Hebrew we translate in english to “Praise” and meant “True and sincere”, giving up something to put an exclamation mark on the value of the Praise and Thanks!
The boy that gave the 5 loaves and two fish gave it in Todah a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving.
I was talking to a friend about Christians out-christianing each other. The extreme focus on doing more, being kinder, volunteering more, etc, etc… When all the good has become worthless because it is done in the wrong mindset. For the wrong purpose… It is works done because it could be done, not because of gratitude.
So with that in mind, this morning I was urged to open my bible to Psalm 50
“The life that pleases me is a life lived in the gratitude of grace, always choosing to walk with me in what is right. *This is the sacrifice* I desire from you. If you do this, more of my salvation will unfold for you.”
(Psalms 50:23 TPT)
The Sacrifice God is referring to here is Todah the thing He wants me to give. If you want to praise me, Sean, this is what I want:
Give Me a life lived in Gratitude of the Grace you are living under.
Choose to walk with Me.
Choose to do what is right in God’s eyes.
