THANKSGIVING SUNDAY
Some people remarked “What is such a
big deal over Thanksgiving Sunday?” I hope this is not a rejection or denial of
our thanks to Almighty God. We can actually give thanks to God anytime and
anywhere we like and wish. In order to give thanks to God collectively as a
church and as a gathered people of God is something special and necessary. In
fact every Sunday is a thanksgiving and celebrative worship service. It is
important for us not to reduce the Sunday thanksgiving and celebrative worship
service only into a preaching session or a singspirational session or a fellowshipping
session. The 5 dimensional worship appraisal must be fully celebrated and
participated, namely, the Ministry of Praise (through songs, music and psalms);
the Ministry of the Word (through reading and preaching of the Word); the Ministry
of Prayers (through intercession, confession and absolution); the Ministry of
Eucharist (through the consecration of the sacrament of Holy Communion and the
offering of gifts); the Ministry of Blessings (the blessing of one another
through the sharing of peace and the blessing from God).
A Thanksgiving Sunday is purposely
designed to magnify the gratitude of hearts and the collective offerings of
gifts and expressions to God Almighty. It must be done seriously, celebratively,
joyously, willingly, wholeheartedly, reflectively and after close examination
of oneself before God. It is at this Annual Thanksgiving Sunday that one
normally gives his very best to Almighty God with special efforts. It should be
more than the normal Sunday thanksgiving and celebrative service. It is the
climax of the usual thanksgiving.
How should we use the Thanksgiving
Sunday? I have suggested a few probable actions here.
1. Like in the OT, we can give an
annual tithe to God for the priests and Levites as an expression for God’s spiritual
coverage. (Deut 14:22)
2. Like in the OT, we can give an
annual tithe to God for the celebration of God’s people as a redeemed people of
God. (Deut 14:24-27) This is over and above the normal tithe.
3. Like in the OT, we can give a tithe
once in three years to be distributed to the poor and less fortunate one, thanking
God as the Master Designer and Creator of all people and this world. (Deut 14:28-30;
26:12) This is done once in three years which is over and above (1) and (2).[1]
4. To forgive any and everyone who has
hurt or caused you trouble, as the Lord has forgiven us.
5. To pray and bless all those who
bless us and also all those who didn’t bless us, even those who curse us.
6. To take to heart the Word and
teachings of God and do them wholeheartedly.
7. To invite God back into our lives,
families, careers, social and physical lives and be Lord.
Let God be God and Lord of our lives
again by adhering to His commands and precepts.
To God be the Glory! Amen!
Bishop Moon
Hing 6 October 2012
[1]
I know some people may
disagree with this interpretation. Please read the scripture for yourselves and
decide. One tithe is already hard to practice, let alone three.
