Thank You, Jesus
And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. ~Luke 17:15-16
Tomorrow, we celebrate Thanksgiving. There are many traditional foods that have fondly become associated with this special day. Foods such as turkey, gravy, stuffing, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, green beans, and pies are an American tradition when it comes to Thanksgiving. The term “cold turkey” found its origin somehow out of this tradition. It means to do something without tapering off or cutting down gradually. We usually use this term to describe someone who quits a very bad habit or vice, such as smoking cigarettes. This morning, I would like to apply this term in reference to our spirit of thanksgiving. Let us pray and say, “Thank you, Jesus.”
There is the meaning in thanksgiving.
Giving thanks is acknowledging others for their deeds of kindness, words of encouragement, personal service, and gifts of love. Thankfulness reflects a heart that is filled with grace. The word “charis,” or grace, is the root word behind "thanksgiving." Thanksgiving is to be our manner of life in every detail. We give thanks for our food before each meal or snack. We give thanks in the beginning of our prayers. Thanksgiving is verbally acknowledging the goodness and mercies of God in our life.
There is the ministry in thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is a ministry that every Christian has been given. First, it is the will of God that we give thanks in all things. This means in good times and bad times. This means when the sun is shining and when dark clouds hang over us. Second, it shows that we are rooted in Christ. In fact, Paul said we should abound therein in thanksgiving. We can never give too much thanks. Thanksgiving is something that should be all the time and every time. Are you thankful for the small things as well as the big things?
There is the minority in thanksgiving.
Ten lepers came to Jesus for healing. All of them were healed by Jesus. However, only one came back to thank the Lord. That is so sad! Only one out of ten men realized what really happened to him and came back to thank the Lord. The curse of sin has given us a false sense of entitlement. We think and act as if we deserve gifts, praise, and glory. However, we don’t deserve anything that is good! The spirit of this Samaritan was that he gave God the glory for the healing from leprosy. He didn’t care if he would be received back by his friends; he made sure that Jesus was thanked and glorified for what He did in this man’s life. Did you say "thank You" to Jesus this morning?
There is the medicine in thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is medicine for the soul. It gives us a happy and peaceful disposition. It helps us be at peace with others. It helps us maintain a positive perspective and outlook. It is a wonderful preventive against strife and contention. It keeps the body of Christ healthy and looking to the Lord. It helps keep your blood pressure normal and minimizes sleepless nights. This healed leper was told, “Thy faith hath made thee whole.” He was the only leper to receive complete wholeness. We are only a fragment of the Christian we should be if we are not thankful. Your spiritual health is a reflection of your thanksgiving spirit.
Are you thankful? Are you accepting but not reciprocating? Are you a receiver and lacking in being thankful? Decide today to be someone who will not be ungrateful and instead overflow with thanksgiving.
Have a thankful God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Acts 27-28