Typically, this week most families across the U.S. will observe Thanksgiving by sitting, not standing, around a table together. Some will reflect on the blessings of the past year or what the future year might hold. Yet, sacrifice is not the typical topic at Thanksgiving (unless you raised or knew the turkey that is being served). Our thoughts are typically more directed towards a heart of gratitude for what we have received, or what has been withheld from us.
Hebrews 10: 11-14 is not the typical Thanksgiving passage. Hebrews 12: 28 would seem to be a more appropriate passage for Thanksgiving: “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.”
Yet, I think the subtle reminder in the 10th chapter of Hebrews is applicable to the typical Thanksgiving gathering. The writer of Hebrews tells us of the one sacrifice that made our thankfulness eternally possible. A word picture is painted of the priest who had to stand again and again, always standing since his work of offering the sacrifice was never done. Then the writer paints the contrast, showing the perfecter of the priesthood making only one sacrifice for all men and for all time. Then, He sat down at the right hand of God. He could sit since His work is finished.
So, enjoy the holiday season for all the reasons you have to be thankful. Praise God for His abundant blessing. And as you look around at everyone that is sitting at your table, pause for a moment and be in awe of Him. The One that perfected the sacrifice and makes it possible for us to sit in His presence at the table He has prepared for each of us.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Hebrews 10: 11-14 is not the typical Thanksgiving passage. Hebrews 12: 28 would seem to be a more appropriate passage for Thanksgiving: “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.”
Yet, I think the subtle reminder in the 10th chapter of Hebrews is applicable to the typical Thanksgiving gathering. The writer of Hebrews tells us of the one sacrifice that made our thankfulness eternally possible. A word picture is painted of the priest who had to stand again and again, always standing since his work of offering the sacrifice was never done. Then the writer paints the contrast, showing the perfecter of the priesthood making only one sacrifice for all men and for all time. Then, He sat down at the right hand of God. He could sit since His work is finished.
So, enjoy the holiday season for all the reasons you have to be thankful. Praise God for His abundant blessing. And as you look around at everyone that is sitting at your table, pause for a moment and be in awe of Him. The One that perfected the sacrifice and makes it possible for us to sit in His presence at the table He has prepared for each of us.
Happy Thanksgiving!
