Delighting in GodSample

Delight in God's Forgiveness

There is so much to be thankful for, and it is all too easy to take for granted every good and perfect gift from God. However, the greatest gift from God is the Lord Jesus. He came to die, bearing in His own body our sin, and to rise victorious over sin and death. The living Christ offers to any who will turn from their sin and trust Him, total forgiveness, liberating freedom, and intimate fellowship with God Himself. Surely such a salvation should lead us to say, "Thank you." Thanking God is a demonstration of our receiving what He is offering.

Jesus was saddened when only one of the ten lepers He healed returned to give thanks to the One who had done so much for Him. He grieved over the city of Jerusalem, which rejected Him: "How often would I have gathered you . . . but you would not" (Matt. 23:37), He said. If only they had thanked Him and taken Him at His word, how different things might have been for them and our world.

An attitude of gratitude is a great thing. But for us to cross over the line that brings us from death to life in Jesus, there must be an initial step whereby we come to God, and we should thank Him for taking the initiative and sending Jesus to reach and rescue us. Will you come to God and thank him for that inexpressible gift of salvation? Will you thank Jesus for His death and resurrection for you? Will you be grateful for the Holy Spirit's work in your life, drawing you to Him?

--Roger Carswell, Bible teacher, Conference speaker, Author; Leeds, England