For This We Give Thanks!

We may (and should) be thankful for lots of things. Whether it be material or spiritual blessings, we ought to not take them for granted. And as we strive to become more and more Christ-like, should we not offer thanks for that which He offered thanks?

When Jesus instituted the memorial of His death on our behalf, we read. . .

"(26) Now as they were eating, JESUS TOOK BREAD, and AFTER BLESSING IT BROKE IT AND GAVE IT to the disciples, and said, 'Take, eat; this is my body.' (27) And HE TOOK A CUP, and when he HAD GIVEN THANKS HE GAVE IT TO THEM, saying, 'Drink of it, all of you, (28) for THIS IS MY BLOOD OF THE COVENANT, which is poured out for many FOR THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS.' " ( Matthew 26:26-28 ESV)

Perhaps there is a sense in which it might seem strange for Jesus to offer thanks for what He was providing. However, thanks was clearly associated with the establishment of this memorial. That thanksgiving should certainly be ours not only each time we partake of the Lord's supper, but every day of our lives because of what Jesus accomplished on the cross on our behalf.

Paul, in writing to the church at Corinth -- as he urged leaving idolatry completely behind as the relationship with Christ was to be the core focus of their life -- referred to the participation in this memorial in stating. . .

"(16) The CUP OF BLESSING that we bless, is it not a PARTICIPATION IN THE BLOOD OF CHRIST? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ?" ( 1 Corinthians 10:16 ESV)

A participation! A fellowship with! We have true life because of the BLOOD OF CHRIST and our life fellowship is to remain with Him. Therefore, how thankful does our life reveal we are for the FORGIVENESS we have received because of the BLOOD OF CHRIST? If we are still living in a worldly manner, we are guilty of treating the BLOOD OF THE COVENANT in a profane manner or as an unholy thing. ( Hebrews 10:29) Such living is a display of spurning or a showing of contempt for the Son of God as if He has done nothing for us!

Because of the salvation that is ours in Christ our life ought to be lived as a testimony of thanksgiving for such an eternal blessing as is ours. This "cup of blessing" (or thanksgiving) should fill our life as a cup of joy and eternal thanks for the assurance our Lord's death, burial, and resurrection has provided. Yes, for this we give thanks!

Have a great day LIVING IN FELLOWSHIP WITH CHRIST!
Carl

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