The Goals of Thankfulness
We are entering the final two months of what has been a very different year, to say the least. How has 2020 been for you? By the time you receive this November edition of Cross Ties, your mind might be consumed by thoughts of many different circumstances: reflecting on trick-or-treating in an age of physical-distancing, making sense of an Election Day during a highly anxious time for our nation, preparing your home and table for a Thanksgiving gathering… and certainly other things that are unique to your own personal experiences. Some of these events that happen in your life may very well be going just the way you want, but not all of them do.
One pattern we find again and again in God’s Word is that His people give thanks even when their circumstances are far from ideal. It’s what the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk did (Habakkuk 3:18) when the society of his time was falling apart. Jesus Himself also gave thanks on the night He was betrayed (Matthew 26:27), even as He was fully aware that He would soon be handed over to be crucified at the hands of sinful men. This expression of faith is also on rich display in Psalm 71, perhaps giving us a glimpse into the heart of King David near the final season of his life.
“...But I will hope continually and will
praise You yet more and more.” (Psalm 71:14)
We are created to live in relationship with God, abounding in thankfulness for all He has done for us “...only out of fatherly, divine goodness and mercy…” as Luther writes in his explanation of the First Article of the Apostles’ Creed. In light of what our Lord does for us, offering thanksgiving to Him is at the heart of our response:
The latest edition of the Catechism (in question 143) outlines three ways we do just that. I would encourage you to reflect on these during this month. What stands out to me is the reminder of the goals of thankfulness which are implied by these methods. The chief goal of our thanksgiving is to express gratitude to God. He is worthy of it! The second and third goals to notice here each help us grow in our lives of mission and ministry. When we praise God openly and faithfully, our witness can bless others (even those outside the Church) with the opportunity to recognize that God is the Giver of every good gift. And when we worship alongside fellow believers, we are able to encourage one another to live out our faith in Christ. As you look forward to Thanksgiving, keep these goals in mind—no matter what your circumstances may be!
“I always thank my God for you because of His grace
given you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Corinthians 1:4)
—Pastor Mark Harris