Thought for the Week

Please continue your worship and thanksgiving. No doubt, there are those who are missing some loved ones at this Thanksgiving Season. The thing is they had no idea last year this would happen. Death creeps up on us. We never expect it. I also hear of families who do not enjoy holiday-get-togethers because they involve arguments and often end in unhappiness and unpleasant memories. There is a Scriptural phrase that comes to mind regarding this: "My brethren, this ought not to be." I would echo that with a hearty, "Amen". Family times here on earth ought to be glimpses of what Heaven will be like. May bad experiences never happen for you but only good ones be celebrated. I remember seeing a painting, hung in the Board Room, of an institution that is part of our heritage: It was a scene of God's 'Banqueting Table'. It had the 'Captain's Chair' right in front of us in the painting and stretched away with chairs on either side of the table to infinity or invisibility. I cannot imagine God's Banqueting Table surrounded by unhappy people or the air filled with quarrelling voices. I can certainly imagine sounds of laughter, joy, singing and celebration. This experience is also known as 'The Marriage Supper of The Lamb'. Just this memory reminds me of our Wedding Reception. Actually, we had two of them. Sharon was from the Buffalo, NY area and I had grown up in PA. and was already pastoring a church here. I learned a new custom. At the NY reception, after we were all seated, someone began to tap on their water glass with their fork. It created a lovely sound but I had no idea the reason for it. Sharon leaded toward me and said it was a call for the Groom (me) to kiss the Bride (her). I was happy, very happy, to oblige. Everyone seemed to think it was a good idea. Unfortunately, after it happened a dozen or so times, folks got involved in eating, conversation, fellowship, getting to acquaint themselves with table mates, etc. and there was no more tinkling of glasses. So, I dinged my own glass. Sharon thought that inappropriate but it worked and those who caught me in the act thought it good fun as did I. I could readily see Jesus receiving good kisses. He had already received a 'kiss of betrayal' in the Garden of Gethsemane. That should never have happened. I want to believe it was not only the first time but the last. We should be expressing love, joy, peace, blessing, and all the good emotions to the One Who loved us enough to lay down His life for those He loved so wonderfully. Whenever you celebrate your thanksgiving and your worship for God, I hope the best of your memories and emotions rise to the surface. When in your 'Resurrected Body', your 'Resurrected Heart' will beat wildly with joy at being in His Presence and knowing it will last for eternity and eternity. May your thanksgivings and your worship experiences be only a foretaste of what God has planned for those He loves so wonderfully. Maybe we could start new tradition: How about making the fourth Thursday of each month, 'Thanksgiving Day'? Of course you may not have football, nor even food all day long, but we certainly can think of things worthy of thanksgiving and worship. Why not propose the idea to your family and see what they think. You can have an empty bowl, where folks write things they are thankful for, and fill the bowl with praises and thanks.

Scriptures to Read

Romans 14:5-12

St. Mark 8:1-8

Revelation 7:10-17

Psalm 100:1-4

Psalm 92:1-15

Psalm 107:1-9

Philippians 4:4-8