by Pastor David Nuottila
Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations. Psalm 100:4-5
Waking up early on Thanksgiving morning, the house is
already filled with the most pleasing aroma. The feast is being prepared. Perhaps
the pies went in first, then the casseroles. In due time, while the parades are
concluding and as the pre-game shows begin, the turkey is popped in the oven. Then,
after the game, the table is set and the food is blessed. Dig in everyone, for
that is how we give thanks in this day and age.
If the above paragraph rings true (for the most part) then
consider this. Behind the dumpster, which is filled to the brim, a small
homeless family seeks warmth and shelter from the cold, misty rain. The mission
doesn’t open its doors for another two or three hours so the family waits
patiently along with the others who have gathered. Then finally, the doors
creak open and the usual crowd shuffles in. Among them are some new faces yet,
each has the same expression.
Long tables are set with paper plates and plastic cups. Plastic
table cloths decorated in autumn colors blend nicely with the napkins adorned
with the same pattern. Then the food arrives; a feast to the eyes and a circus
for the senses. The flavors of each dish are matched perfectly with the smiles
of those generous souls who volunteered to host the banquet. Then suddenly a
pause, a pastor offers grace and asks God’s blessing upon not only the meal,
but for those who enjoy each bite. This, my friends, is how thanks are given in
the kingdom of God.
The psalmist who wrote the prayer of thanksgiving above
calls upon the people of God enter the
kingdom with thankful hearts. God has provided and will
continue to provide for His people. Made sure and certain by our heavenly
Father is the safety and security of His eternal kingdom of glory. The hope of
rescue from sin and the grave is made a reality through the offering of His Son
Jesus Christ. And since God has acted in such a way for His people, our response
to enter His gates with thanksgiving, praising and blessing His name forever.
In Matthew 25:34-40, Jesus teaches us that our thankful
response begins by serving. We serve the God we cannot see by loving and
serving the neighbor we can see. Jesus says, “For I was hungry and you gave me
food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed
me” (Mt.25:35). To share Christ’s love in such a way is to share the kingdom of
God with those whom God has placed within our midst. Truly, as we do it unto
them, we do it unto Him.
I pray you have a wonderful and joyous Thanksgiving holiday.
I pray that as your home is opened to family and friends, it is also filled
with smiles, laughter, and the Spirit of love for the Lord. It is also my
prayer for our church family, that as we pause for this Thanksgiving Day, we
would live lives of thanksgiving for all God has done and continues to do for
His people. I pray that, year round, we would share the love of God by loving
and serving the neighbor God has shown to us. For in this, we proclaim that the
Lord is good; His steadfast love endures forever, and His faithfulness is for
all generations.
Grace to you and peace,
Pastor David Nuottila
