With a struggling economy, many out of work and many others feeling the precariousness of their circumstances, it is understandable that some may be asking what they should be thankful for. There are of course the typical things: our health, spouses and children, a home, our freedoms and so on. These are all worthy of our thanksgiving, for those of us fortunate enough to have them. I anticipate that as we gather around our table and give thanks, in the back of my mind I will be thinking of the many who just lost their job or those who are ill or are undergoing some level of hardship. There will be those who may have just lost a loved one. Then as I extend my thoughts beyond the boundaries of the U.S. I won't be able to ignore the magnitude of the pain and suffering in our world. I must also ask what we (Americans and humanity in general) should be thankful for? Is there anything we can truly take grasp of that will never fade?
Happily there is, and the author of Hebrews speaks to this when he says:
Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe. (Hebrews 12:28, ESV)
Imagine, to be a citizen of an eternal unshakable kingdom where all needs are met and where the One true King can be worshipped. For many, this is merely mythical religiosity. For many others, it is a certainty that transforms every thought, word and deed into the likeness of their King; to be called "children of God" and "heirs of grace." Even more so, to become a child of God requires nothing more than the gracious act of God received in faith.
Yes, this Thanksgiving we have so very much to be thankful for!
I'm so thankful that I'm incapable
Of doing any good on my own
'Cause by grace I have been saved
Through faith that's not my own
It is a gift of God and not by works
Lest anyone should boast'
-- Caedmon's Call, Thankful
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!