Psalm 116:16-17

O LORD, truly I am Your servant; I am Your servant, the son of Your maidservant; You have loosed my bonds. I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving, And will call upon the name of the LORD.

Psalm 116:16-17

The sacrifice of thanksgiving was a part of the peace offerings that could be brought to God by His people. Yet before that offering, there first had to be an offering for sin made before the Lord that would cover the sin of the worshipper. Once that was offered, the peace offering could then follow. It consisted of burning the fat and entrails upon the altar while the rest of the animal was barbecued for the family to eat together as they gathered for fellowship before the Lord. It was a joyous time of feasting — sacrifices of joy accompanied by praise and gratefulness for God’s forgiveness and love.

I love Thanksgiving Day as it is one of only a few national holidays developed solely upon the premise of honoring God for His great blessings. May our Lord find you gathered with family and friends today, grateful for the salvation that Jesus has brought to each of us. He is worthy to be praised!

Happy Thanksgiving,

Pastor Jack Abeelen