The Doxology

The Doxology

When the leper returned to give thanks to Jesus for being healed, in Luke 17:18, notice the words of Jesus. He said that he “returned to give glory to God.”

Isn’t it interesting that when thanks was given, the thing that concerned Jesus was that God received glory. That tells us how Jesus views thanksgiving. Thanking God means giving glory to Him. God’s glory is what should drive you and me. It’s for Him that we live and it’s by Him that we have anything at all. A thank you to God isn’t just saying “thanks.” True thanksgiving is an act of worship.

There is no greater song about that than the Doxology. If you have no idea what I am taking about, a Doxology is a short hymn of praise to God that is sung as a response of thankfulness to God. The Greek word for glory is doxa. So, Doxology means “words of glory.” The leper in Luke 17 gave God a word of glory. That is a Doxology.

The classic Doxology that is sung in most churches today was written in 1674 by Thomas Ken. It is simply 4 lines of praise to God, calling all creatures to thank the Godhead for our blessings. It is based on this passage of scripture:

Ephesians 1:3

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.”

A Doxology calls us together, places us on our knees before God and pours our hearts out in thankful praise, giving glory to God. That, my friends, is what worship is all about! Giving glory to God!

DOXOLOGY

Praise God from whom all blessings flow

Praise Him all creatures here below.

Praise Him above, ye Heavenly Host.

Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

Amen!