LIPS THAT GIVE THANKS

          Paul uses the catch-phrase, ”Let Us…", over a dozen times in Hebrews.  cf. Heb.2:1; 4:1, 11 & 14; 10:22, 23, 24 & 25; 12:1a, 1b & 12:28 and 13:13 & 15.  Actually, while the author of the epistle to the Hebrews does not identify himself, this is one piece of internal evidence that may argue in support of Paul being the writer.  One encounters this phrase elsewhere in a number of letters known to be written by Paul.  e.g., Rom.13:12-13 & 14:13; 1Cor.5:8; Gal.5:25 & 6:9-10; Philp.3:15; 1Thess.5:5 and 1Tim.6:8.  Among these “let us” admonitions in Hebrews are two that emphasize

the importance of gratitude.  In Heb.12:28 we read:  Therefore, since we receive a kingdom that cannot be shaken, LET US SHOW GRATITUDE.  We have so very much to be thankful for - - redemption and forgiveness according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us (Eph.1:7).  As one hymn writer proclaims, we have Ten-thousand Reasons.  This attitude of gratitude needs to become in us the predominate and permanent dis-position of our heart (Col.4:2).  We cannot grumble and grouse most of the time and be grateful every once in a while and still be pleasing to God.   

          In Heb.13:15 Paul writes, Through Him then, LET US CONTINUALLY OFFER UP A SACRIFICE OF PRAISE TO GOD, that is the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name.  Our thanksgiving must not be once in a blue moon or even once in a full moon, but rather "steady as she goes" and ever pre-sent.  Thanksgivings must abound even in times of trial.  James exhorts, consider it all joy…when you encounter various trials (Js.1:2).  The early dis-ciples were grateful in the midst of their calamities.  When imprisoned, Paul and Silas sang hymns of praise (Acts 16:23-25).  In the aftermath of the death of James (Acts 12:2), the disciples were continually filled with joy… (Acts 13:53).  Learning to cope for our troubles teaches us endurance, a  blessing in and of itself (Js.1:3).  We modern-day Christians need to toughen up.  We tend to be too brittle; too easily shaken; too apt to wallow in self-pity; too prone to anxiety and depression.  The antidote to all of this is gratitude:  counting our blessings rather the fixating on our woes.

Let us with a gladsome mind, praise the Lord for He is kind; for His mercies aye endure, ever faithful, ever sure.

                                                                                                                            Terry Siverd / Cortland Church of Christ