Thanks in Eternity
George Stiekes
And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen. Revelation 7:11-12
God’s people have always been a people of praise and thanksgiving. From the very beginning God chose us in order that we might praise Him. This people have I formed for Myself; they shall show forth My praise (Isaiah 43:21). In Whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of Him Who works all things after the counsel of His own will: that WE SHOULD BE TO THE PRAISE OF HIS GLORY, who first trusted in Christ (Ephesians 1:11-12). For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s (I Corinthians 6:20).
God created us to praise Him just as did the angels in heaven before the foundation of the world (Job 38:4-7). The morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy. In Old Testament times, the Israelites were known for their “singing faith.” Today, every Lord’s Day and at other times, the saints gather and most often sing praises unto God. It is not something optional for the child of God since God created us for this purpose. We are exhorted to praise God continually. By Him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name (Hebrews 13:15). The psalmist said, While I live will I praise the LORD: I will sing praises unto my God while I have any being (Psalm 146:2).
In the song, Praise The Savior, by Thomas Kelly, is this line – “Praise the Savior, ye who know Him! WHO CAN TELL HOW MUCH WE OWE HIM? “ We owe Him EVERYTHING and more. We cannot even begin to number His daily blessings in our lives. By all means, we must, in spontaneous response praise Him with our lips and even in song.
In heaven, we will have the privilege of joining with the angels in heaven. We will be part of a great multitude as the angels worship God, saying: Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God forever and ever. Amen (Revelation 7:11-12)! Even with the angels, thanksgiving and praise are linked together.
What are you thankful for today? Why is it we have to stop and think about our answer? In glory, we will be so overflowing with gratitude that it will just stream out of our mouths.
Do you have a thankful spirit? Have you ever thought about asking God for a thankful spirit? In Luke 17, you will remember that Jesus healed ten lepers who cried out from afar, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” After were cleansed of their leprosy, only one of them turned back, and with a LOUD VOICE GLORIFIED GOD, and fell down on His face at Jesus’ feet to give thanks. He was filled with amazement. So why is it we somehow take for granted God’s blessings in our lives? We should daily be filled with praise and thanksgiving because Jesus loves us and did so even before the foundation of this world. His forgiveness and sustaining grace are major blessings.
Johnson Oatman wrote – “Count your blessings, name them one by one…see what God has done.” He recognized that counting our blessings helps us to forget our problems and discouragements in life and brings comfort that will never end, even into eternity.
One by one, start thinking about how many things you can praise and thank God for this Thanksgiving season. Write out a long list and share it around the Thanksgiving Table next Thursday.
George Stiekes held successful pastorates in churches in Michigan and Washington among other places. He currently resides in North Carolina and blogs at Reverent Reflections. We recommend his ministry and republish his material by permission.