“Reason For Thanksgiving”

The Psalmist writes, Oh, give thanks to the LORD, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever (Psalm 106:1). These words might be familiar to you, and in general, to many Lutherans, for we are accustomed to saying such words before or after meals. How true they are! The Lord is good—the Lord is good to us, each day of our lives.

Thus does the Psalmist in another place write, What shall I render to the LORD For all His benefits toward me? I will take up the cup of salvation, And call upon the name of the LORD (Psalm 116:12-13).

According to God’s mercy do we have what we have, possess what we possess, and enjoy what we enjoy. The gifts of life’s necessities like food, water, clothing, shelter, family, and the like God gives according to His grace, without any merit or worthiness in us. This goes for not just the material and physical gifts that we so enjoy. This goes for the gifts of life and salvation which God gives freely in Christ.

Lk17.11-19, Thanksgiving, 2010.pdf