Well, it’s November and time for Thanksgiving. That means it is time to talk about blessings. Do you remember the hymn Count Your Blessings? The first verse is significant: “When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed. When your are discouraged, thinking all is lost. Count your many blessings--name then one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.” What has the Lord done for you lately?
1 Peter 1: 3 reads, “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Maybe you have read this verse and just skipped over it, thinking it is the just part of the salutation, the greeting from Peter to the recipients of the letter. This small verse is much more than a howdy or the usual hello. The word Praise in the original language means: being worthy of praise, to celebrate praise. It is the word where we derive the word: “eulogy,” “to speak well of.”
This verse is suggesting we speak well of God, to praise Him because He is worthy.
The following phrase is also significant: “God and Father.” Only one time in Scripture does Jesus address God as God. That was on the cross when he cried out, “My God, my God, why are you forsaking me?” The other times Jesus addressed God, it was always with the title: Father. Jesus was claiming to share in God’s nature, characteristics and attributes. In fact, John 11:17, 21 both confirm that Jesus and the Father are one. The term LORD, identified Jesus as sovereign Ruler. The name Jesus identified Jesus as God’s incarnate Son. The name Christ, pointed to God’s anointed Messiah-King. Perhaps the most impactful point of this verse is the word, “our.” Think of it, the God who created all that there is, the God who loved us with a love that was demonstrated by sending His only unique Son to die on the cross for us can become “our” Father. The word “our” signified the personal, intimate relationship believers in Jesus Christ possess with the magnificent, glorious God and Father of the universe.
What has God done for you lately? He has provided and blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3). In Christ, we have redemption through His blood, and forgiveness of sins (Ephesians 1:7). God has not only provided our salvation through His Son Jesus Christ, but He has also promised His never-ending faithfulness. Truly we are blessed people! “So amid the conflict, whether great or small. Do not be discouraged, God is over all. Count your many blessings angels will attend. Help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.” My prayer this Thanksgiving; that you will be praising God for providing you a blessed Thanksgiving!
