Gratitude,...Grateful, Grateful, Grateful

Good Morning!! Most of us struggle with having, and keeping a joyful, thankful heart. And when we do get around to expressing thanksgiving to God, it's usually only for those things that please, or encourage us. But Jesus is thankful that God is doing what seems good,...in The Father's sight,...please don't miss this point. Jesus has just finished pronouncing curses on Chorazin, Bethesda, and Capernaum because of their unbelief,...He then instructs His disciples to rejoice that their names are written in Heaven.

At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.—Luke 10:21 (NIV)

Jesus is pleased that God is sovereign. Jesus rejoices that God is hiding and revealing the truth, according to His own purposes. Jesus is thankful that salvation is ultimately in God's hands, and that God has graciously revealed truth to the undeserving and simple-minded, while concealing it from the worldly, wise, and cunning.

Our gratitude should be God's at all times, and in all things.

Father God we thank You, for Your divine and sovereign workings,...even when they are in conflict with our own desires. Teach us to rejoice in the grace You show to others, that we might think of as undeserving,...in them let us see ourselves. Amen.

"The Lamb that died to save us, is also the Shepherd that lives to lead us."