Give Thanks
Brian Cobb
Manhattan, KS
10/29/97
Give Thanks
Modern man might like to think that he has created most (or all) of what is good and worthwhile in this world, as part of his agenda to improve or reinvent anything and everything he can. At the essence of all there is, though, that’s simply not true. Solomon, with all his accomplishments, would have fit neatly into the Modern world. Yet Solomon would be the first to tell us that there is really
nothing new under the sun. So, it is with the holiday we call Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving did not begin in the Modern era. It did not begin with a decree from Governor Bradford to the pilgrim settlers of this nation. It did not even begin on this continent. Thanksgiving in it’s purest and earliest-recorded form was individual worship, not a national holiday. In fact, the first time that any form of the word
thank appears in the Bible (Genesis), man’s earliest history, it refers to an offering or sacrifice to God. Later, specific instructions were given to Israel and its priesthood concerning the
Thank Offering.
This particular offering of animal life was voluntary, not compulsory. Its purpose was not the covering of sins or trespasses to restore fellowship with God. Rather it was offered by those who were already in fellowship with God. God’s portion of the sacrifice was placed on the altar of burnt offerings where it was fumed up to God as a sweet savor, for God’s pleasure. The worshiper’s portion was to feast in God’s presence, in God’s fellowship, perceiving God as the source of all blessings with praise or thanksgiving. A grateful heart. Pure worship.
Our Thanksgiving should be much the same. Yes, we should be thankful for the blessings God has showered upon the United States of America. And yes, a national Thanksgiving holiday is certainly in order. Indeed, it should be the highest order of all our national holidays. But far above and beyond the traditions of a certain Thursday in November, our thanksgiving should be an offering of personal gratitude and devotion to God.
Post-modern man deludes himself by denying that God is the source of all blessings, by deconstructing God and His grace, and by choosing an alternative reality that allows him to justify himself or feel good about himself. Again, there is nothing new under the sun. This is not new or post-anything. Quite simply, it is idolatry, and it is as old as sin.
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness... For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools. Romans 1.18-22
Let’s be neither modern nor post-modern. Let’s put aside our pride and be primitive in the sense of purest worship. Let’s have a happy Thanksgiving that offers God hearts full of gratitude for His grace, praise in His presence, and devotion in daily life.
—
Brian Cobb
Manhattan, KS
