and after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “if you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” and she prevailed upon us. [acts 16:15]
what a beautiful picture of thanksgiving! this new convert of philippi immediately is pouring out gratitude for the gospel and the goodness of God by offering to share her dwelling with these men who brought good news.
she and her family were now on a new mission. as followers of Christ, they wanted all to come together and hear this teaching. they would be inconvenienced financially, they would have to pour out time, energy, give up a quiet house, give up time to relax, give up any control or love of their things, as all of this was now to be given to the Lord in service and for the building up of this small body of believers.
so often my own service to the Lord is not overflowing from my thanksgiving for the gospel. our lives have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ! we are forever sealed in the Holy Spirit, destined to spend eternity in his glorious presence! we have the fruit of the Spirit, we have the mind of Christ, we have the love of the Father! we have been given such a beautiful mess in a community of believers, still sinners, saved by grace, pointing one another to Jesus as we await his return. we have been given everything.
today, in the presence of our generous Father, give thanks. praise him for all of his wonderful gifts, although undeserved, yet given so freely. thank him for the good news of Jesus Christ that has changed your life forever. ask for a life of overflow of this thanksgiving, and for an attitude of joy as you bring the gospel of Jesus to those around you.
he who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? [romans 8:32]
~ arwen eastman