The Nine Guys Who Missied Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving

We think food an Publix commercials

Originally it was true to it’s name - a little history

1789 - George Washington announced

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor, and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me "to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness."

It changed dates depending on who was President

1941 - signed into law

The idea has always been for a day of reflection, prayer and thanks

But how do you give thanks for a year like we have had or are still having?

"We ought to give thanks for all fortune: if it is good, because it is good, if bad, because it works in us patience, humility and the contempt of this world and the hope of our eternal country." - C.S. Lewis

That is what I want to dive into today

Turn to Luke 17

Follow along with me

Luke 17:11–19 CSB

While traveling to Jerusalem, he passed between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten men with leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” When he saw them, he told them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And while they were going, they were cleansed. But one of them, seeing that he was healed, returned and, with a loud voice, gave glory to God. He fell facedown at his feet, thanking him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus said, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Didn’t any return to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And he told him, “Get up and go on your way. Your faith has saved you.”

Let’s pray

Thankfulness : It is way more than just an attitude

It’s a decision and a action

Luke 17:15 CSB

But one of them, seeing that he was healed, returned and, with a loud voice, gave glory to God.

It is recognizing the reality of our world and its state

It is recognizing there is a God over it all

"The Lord afflicts us at times; but it is always a thousand times less than we deserve, and much less than many of our fellow-creatures are suffering around us. Let us, therefore, pray for grace to be humble, thankful, and patient." John Newton

It is an act of humility

Luke 17:16 CSB

He fell facedown at his feet, thanking him. And he was a Samaritan.

God is sovereign - even in the hard stuff

The idea of a sovereign or king is foreign to us

It is a question of authority

Colossians 1:16 CSB

For everything was created by him, in heaven and on earth, the visible and the invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities— all things have been created through him and for him.

I may not understand why but I know who

I know His faithfulness and grace - my response is only humility

It draws us closer to God

Luke 17:12 CSB

As he entered a village, ten men with leprosy met him. They stood at a distance

Luke 17:16 CSB

He fell facedown at his feet, thanking him. And he was a Samaritan.

Notice the difference and the distance

When we see the big picture

When we God is in control and working everything for our good and His glory

When respond with thanks

We are drawn into His presence

It’s God’s will

Luke 17:17–18 CSB

Then Jesus said, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Didn’t any return to give glory to God except this foreigner?”

I do not know why the others did not return

Maybe they thought this is what was owed to them or they were treated unjustly by the disease

Maybe they were so excited they just ran off to see families

One of them recieved more than just physical healing

Luke 17:19 CSB

And he told him, “Get up and go on your way. Your faith has saved you.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 CSB

Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

How many blessings or miracles do we miss when we skip over the thanks

Thanksgiving

I have a challenge for you this week: (write this down)

Sunday 11/21

Make a list of 10 things want to thank God for.

1 Thessalonians 5:18

Monday 11/22

Reach out to someone you are thankful for via text, phone call, or email and let them know how thankful you are for them.

Tuesday 11/23

Thank God for his daily presence in joyful and troubled times

Read Psalm 138 and Philippians 1:6

Wednesday 11/24

Think of someone who is investing in your life and let them know that you are thankful for them.

Thursday 11/25

Thank God for family

"Gratitude is an offering precious in the sight of God, and it is one that the poorest of us can make and be not poorer but richer for having made it." AW Tozer

Make it your offering this week

Let’s Pray