The same should be true of our study of Scripture. If we desire to deeply understand the truth of the Bible, we must move away from a casual study of it and into a thought consideration of our time in the Word. We must read with a bigger purpose than merely ticking a box on our to-do list. We must study Scripture in a way that will train us in the Word and prepare us to give it back. 

Let us sit for a moment and take in how bizarre this sounds. The Creator of all that exists – who has the power to do anything to accomplish His will – chose to leave the comfort of His throne to be born of flesh as a baby into a sinful world.

Our focus must be on the final ending, what we do not see, but have hope in – the moment when we will be united with Him for eternity. We do not have to fear the Goliaths we face every day. Our God is bigger, stronger, and more able than the giant.  

This week, we see a contrast to our first week with a yet-to-be-fulfilled prophecy of Christ’s second coming. We have now come to the once long-anticipated, but now fully fulfilled, first coming!

If you were face-to-face with Thanksgiving, and were unsure of what you have to be thankful for, read the stories of Joseph, Job, David, Sampson, Esther, Ruth, Hosea, Peter, Paul and so many more. See how God took their sin, their pain and the evil they faced down in this world, and brought good from it. God WILL do this in your life too. Trust Him with the pain in your life. Pray for Him to begin this work, and seek His face. He will not let you down. 

As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving, gorging our bellies, let us be reminded of the sacrifice Jesus has made for us. When we are enjoying our food, may we be reminded of his provisions and what Jesus endured on the cross, allowing us to one-day feast with him. May we also be a blessing, showing God’s love, to others in our community who may not have the resources or the family to feast with on Thanksgiving!

Everything that surrounds a feast is a mark of celebration—the decorations, the food, the people, the vast amounts of essentially everything. It is a coming together, but not just simply for the sake of doing so. Feasts are meant as a coming together of purpose, to celebrate someone or something.

Is that not the beauty of the Gospel? That God choose us, even in the depth of our sin, and loved us. He covenanted us and bought us out of our sin. He turns our troubles into hope and sets on display His unconditional love. That is Hosea and Gomer’s story. That is my story with God. Is that your story?

All throughout the Old Testament, God spoke through the prophets to His people. Yet, God foretold of a coming perfect prophet who would Himself be the final word of God – Jesus the Christ, His son.

All throughout the Old Testament, God spoke through the prophets to His people. Yet, God foretold of a coming perfect prophet who would Himself be the final word of God – Jesus the Christ, His son.