Giving thanks unto the Father which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light. Colossians 1:12
An interesting tradition on Thanksgiving Day for many families as they sit around the dinner table preparing for the annual feast is for each family member to declare what they are thankful for. If you are part of such a Thanksgiving Day dinner, what would your response be to such a tradition. For what are you most thankful?
While it is good to have and appreciate material things, we should be deeply sorry for those who have nothing more than things to thank God for. Our lives do not consist of the abundance of the things that we possess. Money and possessions are so transitory, as the recent stock market crash shows. The gaining and loss of possessions is pretty small compared to what other things we have to be thankful for.
Are you thankful for your family? With some exceptions, you should be. Family members will not always be with you, and you should appreciate them while they are here. Personally, I am reminded at this time of year of the loss of my father, and more recently a dear mother-in-law for whom I could give thanks. What about your spiritual family, the brothers and sisters in Christ who are part of your Assembly and part of your life? Be thankful for them all.
While we are at it, be thankful for your Assembly and each member of it. Be thankful for the level of faithfulness of the oversight in your Assembly, for the meetings, for the exercise in the Gospel, for the souls saved in recent months, for the good word that a dear brother faithfully delivered this past Lord’s Day. So much to be thankful for!
In today’s text, Paul is reminding us of something very precious for which to give thanks. Our Heavenly Father has qualified us for the Glory. He has not only saved us from the perdition we deserve but has also granted us a home in His presence forever.
As you bow your head to give thanks for Thanksgiving dinner today, don’t forget to give thanks for your reserved place at the greatest Thanksgiving dinner of all: the Marriage Supper of the Lamb. And give thanks that the Lord has made you meet to be a partaker. -Jim MacIntosh