For many November is a relatively easy month to be thankful. For some this post-election week provides the long-anticipated reprieve from political advertising. And yet the very thing we’re glad to have some relief from is the very reason we all ought to be incredibly thankful.
We live in a nation (warts and all) where we each have the privilege of participating in this great democratic experiment called America! Furthermore men and women have always paid an immeasurable sacrifice to provide the safety and security this kind of freedom requires. We owe them a great debt that we’ll never be able to repay. The best we can do is live in such a way that we honor their sacrifice!
So as a very important aside — thank you to everyone who has served our great nation! We recognize your sacrifice and are deeply indebted to you!
This week our church will be praying for Christians around the world who are persecuted for their faith. The same faith Christians in America are free to express everyday is the same faith that places men, women, boys and girls in grave danger. This deepens the gratitude I have to live here, and broadens my heart to pray for those at risk of indentured servitude, alienation, marginalization and even physical harm.
And still there is a deeper level of gratitude reserved for Jesus who sacrificed His life to save mine – and all who would call upon His name. As thankful as I am for this great nation, my body will one day give way to the inevitable death that will knock on everyone’s door at some point and in some way. One way or another, the freedoms we enjoy are only temporary.
However what is to come in eternity is, well, eternal…everlasting. Hebrews 9:27-28 tells us, “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.”
This salvation is the greatest reason we have to be thankful. So in this season of giving thanks certainly do give thanks for our freedoms, family, friends, employment, crops, and so much more.
Also consider whether you have reason to give thanks for the fact that Jesus is coming back to save “…those who are eagerly waiting for him’ in faith. Are you trusting Him in faith? I sure hope so.
Express your gratitude liberally this Thanksgiving season. And while God knows every thought we have even before we do, be sure to express your thanksgiving to God the Father in prayer. Our salvation truly is the very best blessing we have to be thankful. Happy Thanksgiving!
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