November 27, 2004

THE THANKSGIVING NAME

"In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ give thanks every day for everything to our God and Father" (Ephesians 5:20, NEB).

The fourth Thursday of November is Thanksgiving Day, one of the greatest national holidays in the United States. The first thanksgiving proclamation occurred three years after the pilgrims settled in Plymouth. The day was established as a day of thanksgiving to God for His goodness and as a reminder of the blessings of freedom of worship.

To God's people, every day is thanksgiving day in which we celebrate our redemption through Jesus Christ. Everything about the plan of salvation is a reason for thanksgiving. That's why Paul urges Christians to give thanks to our God and Father "in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Ephesians 5:20, NEB). Thanksgiving is meaningful only as it is given in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Like the spokes of a wheel, everything in the plan of redemption centers in Jesus. In the name of Jesus is salvation (see Acts 4:12), healing (see Acts 3:16), and justification (see 1 Corinthians 6:11). Christians pray in the name of Jesus (see John 16:23). They baptize in the name of Jesus (see Acts 2:38). It is a name above all names (see Philippians 2:9), and we do all things in the name of the Lord Jesus (Colossians 3:17). This marvelous name cannot be excluded from any aspect of our redemption. That's why it is the thanksgiving name.

Through the name of Jesus we celebrate our salvation and thank God for the good news of pardon and acceptance, the joy of full salvation, the fellowship of the family of God, and the blessedness of peace with God. With such amazing blessings, no wonder Christians celebrate thanksgiving day every day "in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

My Prayer Today: Lord, in the saving name of Jesus, I give You thanks for your full salvation. Amen.