On this Thanksgiving Eve I am reading from 1 Chronicles 16 which records the first Thanksgiving in Israel, following the anointing of David as king and the entrance of the ark into Jerusalem. How differently from ours it was celebrated. Ours is rooted in historical events and celebrated through feasting and family. Israel's was rooted in the character and work of God and celebrated, quite intentionally, through the worship of the God of Israel. True, it was itself rooted in history: bringing the ark into Jerusalem, the kingship of David and the setting up of His kingdom, but all of these things pointed to God behind them and David, in his most faithful moments, would give Him the glory.
David's intention was clear. He appointed Asaph and others to give thanks and praise with words and music (vv. 1-7). The song that he lent them (8-36) directs Israel to the character and work of God. This was not about David and he knew it. There's a lesson for us here: when we learn to be as intentional in bringing thanks to God, we will experience the blessing and peace of Thanksgiving.
I love the holidays, Thanksgiving in particular. But this scripture teaches me to look behind the history to the God of the pilgrims and of every pilgrim follower of Christ.
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