November 1931
T h e
K i n g ’ s
B u s i n e s s
505
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National Blessedness “Blessed is the nation whose God is Je hovah” (Psa. 33:12). T hanksgiving D ay is distinctly an American institution. Recall the his tory of its origin. No nation which does not recognize God and His blessing in the world can consistently celebrate such a day. Special blessing was promised to the chil dren of Israel through Abraham in order not only that they might be blessed, but that they might be a blessing to others. That which was true of Israel ought to be true of every nation which acknowledges God. We will find abundant reasons for thanksgiving if we will but consider that which issues because of a nation’s recog nition and acknowledgment of God. Among such blessings, let us consider: I. The Blessedness o f Perfect Protection. “The name of Jehovah is a strong tower; the righteous runneth into it, and is safe” (Prov. 18:10). Illustrations: the value of a tower in olden times; cities of refuge. II. The Blessedness of Being under Di vine Leadership. “I am Jehovah thy God, who leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go” (Isa. 48:17). Illustrations : the pillar of cloud and fire; Solomon’s prayer at the dedication of the temple. III. The Blessedness o f Extending Bless ing to Others. Illustrations: promise to Abraham; promise to Joseph in the house of Egypt. IV. The Blessedness o f Long Life. “Righteousness exalteth a nation; but sin is a reproach to any people” ( Prov. 14:34). Illustrations: nations that forget God blotted out; history of Babylon; God’s declared purpose in dealing with the na tions—“that they may know that I am God” ; the promise of long life, in the decalogue, to individuals; compare it with national life which is God-honor ing.— E. L. M c C reery . Thanksgiving P salm 92:1 I. The Why of Thanksgiving. “It is a good thing. 1. It is God’s will for us. We are con tinually exhorted to offer thanksgiv ing and praise. “Whoso offereth praise glorifieth me” (Psa. 50:23). 2. If we are to have much in common with the real people of God of the past and future, praise must have a large place in our lives. 3. Praise prepares the way for a fuller revelation of God. The last part of Psalm 50:23 has been rendered: “and prepareth the way by which I may further reveal myself unto him.”
1. Temporal blessings.
Rules fo r Rejoicing
Compare the first Thanksgiving Day with the abundance of ma terial blessings which we enjoy. “Thanks be unto God for his un speakable gift” (2 Cor. 9:15; cf. Eph. 1:3). The Secret of a Life o f Thanksgiv ing. 1. To be filled with the Spirit is to be filled with praise (Eph. 5:18-20). 2. “Bring my soul out of prison that I may give thanks unto thy name” (Psa. 142:7). —J ohn A. H ubbard . C auses for Giving Thanks I. For Faith that Works (Rom. 1:8). 1. The church at Rome had a world wide vision. 2. The vision was made manifest by works. II. For the Grace o f God (1 Cor. 1:4). 1. Grace comes through Jesus Christ. 2. Grace enriches the church. 3. Grace is made manifest by a. The testimony of Christ from our lips. b. * Living according to our knowl edge. III. For Fellowship in the Gospel (Phil. 1:3). 1. Fellowship in giving (Phil. 4:15). 2. Fellowship in suffering (Phil. 1:29). . —E. N. N atu re’s P raise to God 1. The fertile fields (Psa. 65:13). 2. The restless sea (Psa. 69:34). 3. The raging floods (Psa. 98:8). 4. The heavens and earth (Isa. 44:23). a. The reason for it—redemption, “for the Lord hath redeemed Jacob.” b. The object of it—glory to God, “and glorified himself in Israel.” —D aisy G ray . 2. Spiritual blessings. III.
I. Who Shall Praise. “Let all the people praise thee” (Psa. 67:3). II. How to Praise. 1. With the voice (Psa. 9:11). 2. With instruments of music (Psa. 33: 2 ). 3. With sacrifice (Heb. 13:15). 4. With the life (1 Pet. 2:9). III. When to Praise. “Continually” (Heb. 13:15). C hristian Blessings 1. Our Standing—“saints in C h r i s t Jesus” (Phil. 1:1). • 2. Our Example—“let this mind be in you” (Phil. 2:5). 3. Our Rejoicing—“rejoice in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 3:3). 6. Our Rest—“peace of God through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:7). 7. Our Supply—‘“God shall supply all your need . . . b y Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4: 19).—O utlined A ddresses . —M. C. It is supposed that some are rejoicing, and this is a happy supposition; you are invited to sympathize with them, and this is a happy duty. Sympathy is a duty of our common manhood. Those who are one in the higher life should show their holy 1. Could you have seen them under conviction, you would indeed rejoice to behold them free and happy. 2. Welcome them with hearty joy. II. Rejoice with Their Friends. 1. Some have prayed long for them, and now their prayers are answered. 2. Some are receiving much comfort from these newly-saved ones. III. Rejoice with Those Who Brought Them to Jesus. 1. The spiritual parents of these con verts are glad. 2. Endeavor to win the same joy for yourself, and meanwhile be glad that others have it. IV. Rejoice with the Holy Spirit. 1. He sees His quickening power op erating in new life. 2. He sees the renewed mind yielding to His divine guidance. 3. He sees the heart comforted by His grace. V. Rejoice with the Angels. 1. They have noted the repentance of the returning sinner. 2. They expect his life-long preserv- ance, or their joy would be prema ture. VI. Rejoice with the Lord Jesus. 1. His joy is proportioned to the ruin from which He has saved them. 2. His joy is proportioned to the cost of their redemption. —C harles H addon S purgeon . unity by true fellow feeling. I. Rejoice with the Converts. Fellowship in Joy R omans 12:15
Universal Praise P ra ise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary : praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts : praise him according to his excel lent greatness. Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psalt ery and harp. Praise him with the timbrel and dance : praise him with stringed in struments and organs. Praise him upon the loud cym bals : praise him upon the high sounding cymbals. Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord. — P salm 150.
II. The Measure of Thangsgiving.
“Giving thanks always for all things” (Eph. 5:20).
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