Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors! That the King of glory may come in. Psalm 24:7 

To all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God. John 1:12 

In Psalm 24 David is writing about the ark of the Covenant being returned to Jerusalem. He wants all of Jerusalem to welcome this event – sort of like a dignitary being welcomed to a city governing area for an important meeting. Have you seen our freeways when an important person arrives at the airport and travels to downtown? There are security people all over, the freeway entrances are blocked, and the way is perfectly open for that person to get to their destination. The city is welcoming the person, just like David suggests the City gates of Jerusalem are welcoming the Ark and by extension the Lord. 

We can only imagine the thankfulness of the people as the Ark is returned to its rightful place. Perhaps there were parties and feasts, but certainly there was a celebration in the temple. . Just like Thanksgiving day – a day set aside to focus on thankfulness for all that we have in our lives. We start out, in our church, with a service of Thanksgiving the evening before the holiday. Then we gather with friends, and family, to celebrate all that we have. 

Sunday, while eating pie, there were sheets of paper on the table with the letters from A to Z and a blank after each letter. The idea was to fill out the sheet with an item, beginning with each letter, that we are thankful for. Not a bad idea to have at our Thanksgiving dinners in between watching parades and football. There are at least 26 things we can think of for which we are thankful. Certainly at the top of the list is the saving grace of God, who sent Jesus for all of us. All we need is to receive Jesus, and believe and we become God’s children – what a great thing to be thankful for. 

Saving Lord, we praise and thank you for equipping us to do the work of the kingdom, and making us fit to serve you and others in love. Glorious God, you came with the power to bring us into your family as your children. Help us to be open to receiving you anew each day. Help us respond to the opportunities you place before us to witness to your saving grace in Jesus Christ. Amen. 

Chris Gabel

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party