Back in the Philippines, as kids, every time we received something, we were reminded to say the “power words”-Thank You. Growing up, we learn that it is an expression of gratitude for the generosity we receive. Remember GMRC-Good Manners and Right Conduct, followed by VE-Values Education? Then, as we blossom in faith through reading the Bible, we noticed that Jesus gives thanks in prayer even before he receives something. And we follow it. We believe that the divine truth conveyed by Jesus is that giving thanks in prayer is an act of preempt gratitude and faith. It expresses confidence in God’s power to move, even before the answer and the miracle become visible. We learn from the Bible that each time He thanked the Father in a challenging situation, a miracle often followed, such as:
1. He showed faith and confidence, claiming the answer in advance. In John 11:41, before raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard my prayer.” He thanked God in advance, as if the prayer was already answered. “So they rolled away the heavy stone. Jesus gazed into heaven and said, “Father, thank you that you have heard my prayer, for you listen to every word I speak. Now, so that these who stand here with me will believe that you have sent me to the earth as your messenger, I will use the power you have given me.” (John 11:41-42 TPT)
2. To demonstrate God’s power, Jesus was giving thanks before a miracle, as a way to validate his message. He stated this so that the crowd “may believe that You sent Me”, talking to God the Father. Read John 11:41-43 again.
3. To spur provision by being thankful, like before feeding the multitude of hungry people, Jesus already gave thanks for the provision, which then multiplied to feed a large crowd. This demonstrates how thanksgiving can be a stimulus for abundance. See Matthew 14:13–21, Mark 6:30–44, Luke 9:10–17, and John 6:1–14.
4. To reveal God’s plan, Jesus also gave thanks to God for hiding spiritual truths from the proud but revealing them to the simple, as seen in Matthew 11:25.
5. To thank God the Father even in the midst of impending suffering, Jesus, knowing God’s plan for our salvation is being fulfilled, gave thanks during the Last Supper. See Matthew 26:26-28, Mark 14:22-24, and Luke 22:17, 19. Indeed, Jesus gave us powerful lessons to be grateful always. He did not just teach it. He lived it so we could follow. As commanded in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Be joyful always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus.”
Happy Thanksgiving!
Pastor Benjun and Malou