November 26:
Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be
shaken, let us give thanks, by which we offer to God an
acceptable worship with reverence and awe; – Hebrews
12:28
Edward Spencer was a ministerial student in Evanston,
Illinois, who was part of a life-saving squad. During the
winter of 1860, a ship went aground on the shore of Lake
Michigan near Evanston. Edward waded again and again
into the frigid waters to rescue 17 passengers. In the
process, his health was permanently damaged. Some years
later, at his funeral, it was noted that not one of the people
he rescued ever thanked him.
You might be able to identify with Edward Spencer. In
fact, considering we are becoming an ever-increasing
ungrateful society, you have probably done many things
without receiving a word of thanks. Many think that this
is because so many have an entitlement mentality.
It is interesting to me that the writer to the Hebrews here
equates giving thanks with acceptable worship. Have you
ever considered that ingratitude toward God for what He
has given you as a hindrance to your worship? He further
elaborates that thankfulness equates with proper reverence
and awe of God.
When you consider what God has done, what He has
given…you cannot help but be filled with awe. When you
think about what we deserve, as opposed to what God has
chosen for us, this “unshakeable kingdom,” you cannot
help but have an attitude of gratitude. Why then do we
skimp in our thankfulness to God? I suspect that in some
way we may have a sense of entitlement. Give Thanks!