Sermon Details
- Pastor Name: Jonathan Cornell
- Date & Time: November 23, 2014 | 10:00am
SERMON SERIES:
Rooted and Built Up
I don’t know about you, but one of the most beloved Thanksgiving traditions in my family is the annual giving of thanks around the dinner table. It happens after we’ve piled on the turkey, stuffing, and sweet potato casserole. Each one takes his or her turn in sharing reflections and recognition for their loved ones and those who have been a blessing throughout the year. And when each person has poured their heart out and not a dry eye remains, we hold our glasses high for the ceremonial toast of the host. And there is no more fulfilling moment all day than hearing the glasses go clink as they are brought together.
There are Scriptures that sound as if we are toasting God. In Revelation 1:5, John writes, “To him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood.” Cheers! You may even want to replace the toast of the host with a toast to our abundantly loving God this year. The clink of the toast is really the capstone moment of every great meal, after all other senses have been engaged. The clink of the glasses is really like the Amen to a wonderful day of food and fellowship.
God is the God of all five senses. Psalm 34 calls us to taste and see God’s abundant goodness. There is perhaps no other time of year when we are reminded of God’s nourishing provision than Thanksgiving when we celebrate the blessings of harvest and the relationships that nurture our souls. But can you imagine what it would be like to prepare an elaborate meal with all the fixings only to have your guests bail at the last moment?
This very thing happened in one of Jesus’ parables, recounted in our Scriptures in the Gospel of Luke chapter 14 verses 15-24.
Download the entire transcript here: Abounding with Thanksgiving
