FAMILY AND THANKSGIVING

 

Saturday, November 18, 2023

 

FAMILY AND THANKSGIVING

 

Eph 3:14-19

14 For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

15 Of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named,

16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;

17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,

18 May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height;

19 And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.

 

          The above six verses comprise only one sentence! It is only one of 123 times we find the word “family” in Scripture. Family is important, or at least, significant. Matthew begins his gospel account with 17 verses regarding the ancestry of Jesus. Then he tells us of the birth of a baby. Yes, family is significant.

 

          Someone recently noticed that Thanksgiving Day seems to be less about family than years before. Our culture and the ease of travel have divided us, and I think we are the worst for it. In my retirement, I live with my daughter. That arrangement requires considerable “scoot over” considerations but we do scoot to make room.

 

          Jesus commented on the spiritual family when He said, “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.” John10:16

 

          My extended family is scattered across half a continent. My greater family is scattered around the globe but this Thanksgiving hearth and home is in the mind and memory of us all. Why not save a seat for Jesus at your family table.

 

Rom 8:14-15

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

 

Dear Father, in this week of preparation and celebration, bless and inhabit the praise of your people. AMEN