November is such a wonderful month. Not only do we get to bring out the sweaters and enjoy hikes through the fall colors, but we also still have leftover Halloween candy to plunder while we sit around a campfire. Warm on your front, and cold behind.
Perhaps the best thing about November is the spirit of thankfulness that it brings as we prepare to gather with family and to remember all the gifts of the year past. We were all taught to “count our blessings.” And at our Thanksgiving dinner, we often begin with food and drink, house and home, fields, cattle, and all our goods, as we were taught from the Small Catechism.
But are these the best gifts you’ve been given this year? Jesus has His own Thanksgiving list of blessings. Take a look at the things that Jesus called blessings in the fifth chapter of Matthew:
To have the kingdom of heaven – to be comforted – to inherit the earth – to be satisfied with righteousness – to receive mercy – to see God – the be called a child of God – to receive the kingdom of heaven – to be persecuted for the sake of Jesus and receive a reward in heaven.
I’ve heard (and preached) sermons that focus on the first parts of Jesus’ Beatitudes. We all might wonder if we qualify to be considered the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, the righteous, or the pure in heart. Are the beatitudes really for me? But there is an easy way to tell. Take a look at the blessings you have received.
You were baptized into the kingdom of heaven. You have been comforted with the Gospel of Jesus’ sacrifice for you. You have been promised a new heaven and a new earth. You have been clothed with Jesus’ righteousness. Your Father in heaven has had mercy on you, and He calls you His child and an heir of heaven. And you know that even when your Enemy presses hard against you, no one can take away your inheritance in heaven. Name these blessings at your Thanksgiving table this year!
Matthew 5:1–12
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