Thanksgiving - Pt. 3

 Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body. Let marriage be held in honor among all, and let the marriage bed be undefiled, for God will judge the sexually immoral and adulterous. Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:1-6 ESV). 

 

This year has certainly been unusual. After Mary’s surgery in early March, we returned home from the hospital just as the news of Covid-19 began to dominate the media. We weren’t terribly concerned since we weren’t planning to travel outside of the house until her recuperation was complete. Who could have anticipated the panic buying at the grocery stores! A week or so passed and the news reported the empty shelves appearing in local stores. Bread, meat, and cleaning supplies were nearly impossible to get. Of course, my sons had already lectured me on the serious nature of the virus and how it would affect Mary and I with potentially deadly repercussions “because of our conditions.” It seems we are both “old” and “at risk with underlying health conditions.” I did take it seriously, if not for me then for Mary. After all she just went through a very serious surgery. Fortunately I learned how to use curbside pickup and had enormous help from the family. Oh, and I began to do other things, like baking our own bread. Funny how God always provides a way!

 

The last two verses of our reading today call us to be thankful for and content with everything we have. Our family, health, meals we can share with loved ones, and of course life itself. These all are precious gifts from the Lord. But discontent, greed, or fears don’t allow us to fully appreciate and treasure the precious gifts of life. The writer says: Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we can confidently say, “The Lord is my helper; I will not fear; what can man do to me?” (vv. 5-6).

 

We don’t know what the future holds. We might have to go through even more difficult times of having empty shelves at the grocery store, or worse. But as the children of God we are assured of his continuous love and care. The Lord himself is our helper in this perilous life. Remember that this life is merely temporary. It prepares us for the glory of eternal life in a perfect place specifically designed by God for us. That’s worth being thankful!