When it comes to November, people often think about many events which happen during that month - deer hunting, high school football playoffs, Christmas shopping, and of course this year, the presidential election. But we must not forget about Thanksgiving.
As followers of Jesus Christ and his Word, we know that we are to show that attitude of gratitude in all times and circumstances, not just during November. Jesus modeled his gratitude for the material provisions of loaves of bread and fishes prior to his feeding the 5,000 and 4,000. Jesus also gave thanks for the bread and cup at the Last Supper. We can learn from Jesus’ example to give thanks for our daily bread. Jesus expressed his thanks to his Father for hearing his prayer at the tomb of Lazarus (see John 11:41). Then there is the healing of the ten lepers by Jesus in Luke 17. It is a classic text illustrating thanksgiving by one from a despised background, despised at least from the perspective of the Jews. Still, the ones who should have known and acted better – didn’t.
Thanksgiving should cause us to think about giving thanks. How would you respond to a national holiday called “Thanksforced?” or “Thanks-because-you-have-to?” Thanksgiving is a great term because it reminds us to give (because we want to) thanks (because we are grateful). When we have trouble with either the giving or the thanks part - it may be because we haven’t slowed down in our living life to ponder the blessings which we’ve received. When we consider the blessings which we’ve received from our great God, it is hard to keep from freely giving our thanks to the Lord for who He is and what He’s done. We’ve all received many blessings this past year as individuals, as families, as a community, and as a country. Some things which we received perhaps are still “blessings in disguise” as we’re not sure how God is going to use certain events and circumstances. But God hasn’t changed, and he is still the source of our blessings and is to be the recipient of our thanks. With Advent just around the corner, we can be thankful for our Savior Jesus who came into the world to save us.
It is interesting to note that in the Bible, God the Father is the recipient of thanksgiving, but he does not give it. When Jesus told the story of the master and a servant in Luke 17:7-10, the servant was simply to do his duty. He was not the recipient of thanks by the master. The servant did what was expected by the master. Jesus was like that servant. Jesus did the work of his Father – dying on the cross for our sins. Jesus stated from the cross, “It is finished” as a testimony to the fulfillment of his assigned work. God expected it and because of Jesus’ redemptive work we have lots of reasons to give thanks to God. Jesus’ obedience didn’t depend on his reception of thanks by his Father. We can be thankful that Jesus made possible our redemption. Will we give thanks?
Therefore, this November, when there is so much push for “Black Friday,” don’t forget that “Good Friday” when Jesus died for our sins. That’s the best deal ever and just has to be received by faith. And that’s worth giving thanks! May gratitude be our attitude at all times.
