For All This

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18

Dr. Luther writes, “When our Lord and Master Jesus Christ said, ‘Repent’ he willed the entire life of believers to be one of repentance.”  However, he does not say that Christian life is only one of repentance.  At the end of the First Article, Luther writes (and we confess), “For all this it is my duty to thank and praise, serve and obey Him.”  The First Article recounts all of the physical blessings that the Creator showers upon us.  Luther sums it all up, “For all this,” referring to all of the previously aforementioned gifts of God.  In mind of everything that God gives out of His “fatherly, divine goodness,” the Christian life is also one of thanksgiving.

Dear friends, “for all this” is a great reminder for all of us.  God gives us more than just food.  “He richly and daily provides me with all that I need to support this body and life.  For all that God has done and that He continues to give, we respond with our acts of service, our songs of praise, our deeds of obedience, and our most hearty thanks.  Our gracious God has opens His hand and satisfies the desires of those who fear Him.

The Christian life includes recognizing repenting of our sins and receiving God’s gifts with thanksgiving.  May you be reminded of the “all this” of God’s many gifts and respond with thanks and praise, in service and obedience.

Prayer – Almighty God, our heavenly Father, we give thanks to You for all of Your gifts of body and soul that our lives might glorify Your Holy name; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.  Amen. 

Fraternally in Christ,
President Lee Hagan