Thanksgiving
And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks He distributed them to the disciples, and the disciples to those sitting down; and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. John 6:11
On this national day of Thanksgiving most of us will be sitting down to enjoy an unusually fine and lavish meal. In our Christian homes, we will pause before eating to say a prayer asking God’s blessing on the food and giving thanks for it. The custom of praying before meals, not just on special occasions, but every day, provides regular reminders of the source of all our blessings. It fosters a spirit of thanksgiving that pervades all of life.
Jesus here teaches the importance of the meal prayer by giving thanks before distributing the bread and fish to the five thousand. Though He is God’s own Son and the food comes from Him, He doesn’t proceed with the meal until He has offered a prayer of thanksgiving. By giving thanks here Jesus teaches us to value the food that we eat at each meal, whether it be lavish or simple. Our food is a gift from a gracious heavenly Father. He alone is able to provide for a world of people who need to be fed every day. We see His ability to provide here where from the meager resources of a few loaves and fish He fed five thousand. We see His generosity in providing for all of them and as much as they wanted.
Our prayers for God’s blessing on our food and our prayers of thanks furnish helpful reminders of the goodness, generosity, and love of our heavenly Father for us His children through faith in His Son our Redeemer. As the psalmist declares, “The eyes of all look expectantly to You, and You give them their food in due season. You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing.” Psalm 145:15, 16
Open Your hand, O God, and keep us grateful. Amen.