The Sacrifice of Thanksgiving

For a long time it has been the custom of our nation, following the harvest season, to turn to God and observe a day of thanksgiving; to set aside a day to give thanks to the one from whom all our blessings and benefits are derived. The blessings of His grace are as numerous as the sands of the sea and His mercy endureth forever. We need to be faithful to offer to Him the sacrifice of thanksgiving.

Following the landing of the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock, Governor Bradford originated the first Thanksgiving Day. On that desolate shore, shivering from the icy winds with sleet and rain pelting them they gave thanks to God who guided them to this land of their choice. With the weather-beaten vessel left behind, they knelt and thanked God for bringing them to a land where they would have freedom to worship in their own way without fear of intimidation. In spite of all their struggles and suffering they paused to give thanks to God.
How we need to follow the example of our ancestors and give thanks to God even in the midst of this tumultuous day.

We are living in perilous times. Alarming conditions seems to abound on every hand. War, violence, hunger, strife, political upheaval, economic woes and many other distressing conditions are signs that man has lost his way. Civilization seems to be on the verge of committing suicide as its leaders have lost all respect for human rights and lives. Christians are to be the salt and light of this paganistic world but it seems as though the salt has lost its savor and the light is hidden under a bushel. As a result we are witnessing a dark age that is decaying and putrifying before our very eyes. Modern liberalism and worldliness in the ranks of the church are weakening its foundation.

In reading God’s Word one finds that some of the most precious statements of praise and thanksgiving voiced by the saints of God occurred in the midst of great trials and tribulations. They are examples for us to follow today. As we face days of uncertainty, darkness and change, it is comforting to know that God changes not, that He ever is the same. The plan also, that He designed for this moral universe will be carried out to its final fulfillment. “Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him..” (Ephesians 1: 9-10) The changeless and consummate will of God will come to final fruition in spite of all the enemies that war against it.

Faith in the changeless Christ gives us courage and confidence as we face the unknown future with an assurance that righteousness will ultimately prevail. As we are faithful to walk with Christ nothing can assail us because his principles and plans are the enduring qualities of life. They are as eternal and changeless as Christ. Long ago Jesus disclosed a great truth to John while in the isle called Patmos. He said, “fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and death.” He is not only the first cause and the fixed center, He will be the final conclusion of everything. The last word will not be coming forth from any potentate, dignitary, dictator, or politician. Jesus spoke the first word and He will speak the final word in this universe. He, one day, will fold this world up like an out-moded garment and preach its funeral oration. He’ll grab the pendulum of the clock of time and time will be no more but “thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.” (Hebrews 1: 10-12) As I once heard Dr. T. W. Willingham say, “that gives me great calm as we face the coming crisis.”

For this we should not only take heart but give thanks. As the Psalmist said, O give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good: because his mercy endureth forever……I called upon the Lord in distress: the Lord answered me, and set me in a large place. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?”………The Psalmist further wrote, “I love the Lord, because He hath heard my voice and my supplications. Because He hath inclined His ear unto me, therefore will I call upon Him as long as I live…” Then with great joy for His manifests blessings the Psalmist cries, “What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits toward me?….I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving.”

While celebrating this great day of the year let us remember that thanksgiving that does not translate itself into thanks-living, will make a mere mockery of this sacred day of the year. Let us heed the admonition of the Apostle Paul who writes in I Thessalonians 5: 18, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”