One of the cardinal shortcomings of this generation is ingratitude - unthankfulness. It follows close on the heels of prosperity. It is a growing failing of the people of this generation and is causing the Almighty to turn away from many a soul, not so much in anger but in sorrow. Here is how the Apostle Paul identifies the people living in the last days.
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2 Timothy 3:2-5 |
"For men will be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, truce-breakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those who are good, traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God, having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." |
Ingratitude stifles spiritual growth, checks the progress of friendship and in the end severs the links between loved ones and also between God and man. And yet this need not be; for we all know that no matter how unworthy or poor a person may be, it is always possible to be thankful for what we have received. We all know that saying "thank you" doesn't cost the receiver anything; but it brings a lot of joy to the giver. A thankful heart is in fact the hallmark of the truly great person, just as ingratitude is of the small. Let us therefore study this matter of thankfulness to Yahweh, noting all the while that it is a reaction which brings great joy to His heart.
Coming a close second to the statement "Have faith in God" is the Bible admonition to "Give thanks to Yahweh." The Scriptures abound with texts to this effect:
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1 Chronicles 16:34-35 |
"Oh give thanks unto the Lord (Yahweh) for He is good; for His mercy endureth for ever. And say ye, Save us, O God of our salvation and gather us together, and deliver us from the heathen, that we may give thanks to thy Holy Name, and glory in thy praise." |
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Psalm 105:1 |
"O give thanks unto the Lord; call upon His Name (Yahweh) make known His deeds among the people." |
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Psalm 106:1 |
"Hallelujah. O give thanks unto Yahweh; for He is good: for His mercy endureth for ever." (Holy Name Bible) |
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Psalm 107:1 |
"O give thanks unto Yahweh, for He is good: for His mercy endureth forever." |
It is of course an easy matter to give thanks when we receive something we want. The Scriptures advise however that we give thanks at all times and in all circumstances. This is a difficult - though not impossible - concept to appreciate. It only becomes possible when we realise that sometimes Yahweh allows experiences to come our way in order to improve the tenor of our spiritual performance and to raise us to even higher realms of glory. Therefore in good times and in bad, remember to give thanks.
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Psalm 119:62 |
"At midnight (symbolic of when events are at their darkest) I will rise to give thanks." |
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1 Thessalonians 2:13 |
"But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you." |
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Ephesians 5:20 |
"Giving thanks always for all things ... (even the trials)" |
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1 Thessalonians 5:18 |
"In everything give thanks." |
The martyr Richard Roth, writing in his own blood, penned these words of advice to all true believers before his death:
"For our lives are in the Lord's hands; and they can do nothing unto us, before God suffer them. Therefore give all thanks to God." (Fox's Book of Martyrs page 263, publisher Zondervan House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA)
It is reasonably easy to give thanks to Yahweh in the presence of those who believe in Him. It doesn't take much courage to do so because there is no fear of being laughed at. But to give thanks to the Most High amidst a group of unbelievers is another matter. That takes courage. And though we are not to needlessly "cast our pearls before swine," there are times when we should, in the presence of others, praise and thank Yahweh for His overwhelming goodness to mankind.
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Acts 27:35 |
"And when he had thus spoken he gave thanks to God in the presence of them all." |
Note that mostly unbelievers were present when this experience took place.
All believers, especially Christian leaders, are under obligation to give thanks for blessings (and trials) received by church members and also for those outside the faith. In this way thanksgiving, like perfume, will ascend before the Most High for the manifold goodness which we humans receive daily from His hand.
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1 Corinthians 1:4 |
"I thank my God always on your behalf ..." |
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1 Thessalonians 1:2 |
"We give thanks to God always for you" |
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1 Timothy 2:1 |
"I exhort therefore that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercession and giving thanks be made for all men." |
Note: The word for in this context means 'on behalf of.' In other words, we believers can and should pray 'on behalf of others' - for all men! This is a mandatory requirement! Are we meeting it?
In the Scriptures we read of the various types of sacrifices:
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Luke 22:17 |
"And he took the cup and gave thanks." |
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v19 |
"And he took the bread and gave thanks." |
The Messiah was perfectly aware of what these symbols stood for. They represented his blood and broken body. They represented his suffering and death. And yet - wonder of wonders! He gave thanks at such a time as this. Pause awhile and try to appreciate the mental stature required for such an act. It indicates a height of perfection few if any believers have ever reached. But it tells of a truth we can all understand. It tells us that no matter how difficult our circumstances, no matter how painful the prospect ahead, no matter how bleak the future, we can still give thanks unto the Most High. So as the Psalmist repeatedly advises:
"O give thanks unto Yahweh for He is good and His mercy endureth forever." (Psalm 136:1)
July 1999
Matanyah Learning Centre, Duiwelskloof, South Africa
matanyah.cjb.net/snotes/note0208.html