Rejoicing in the Goodness of God

Our day is a day of materialism and worldiness. Even the Lord's people are preoccupied with money and things and entertainment, so that the Lord's work is often left undone.

When goods are scarce, men are more likely to give thanks to the God that gives good gifts. But when plenty abounds, God is forgotten.

Thanklessness, according to Paul, is the first sin on the downward slide to utter depravity and judgment. We refuse to acknowledge the hand of God in our blessings, and soon we are in open rebellion against him and bound in idolatry.

God knew that Israel would follow that same path, and so He set up a system of great feasts and celebrations to be observed before Him at the place where He chose to set His name. The people were to bring of the bounty (or money if the trip be too far) of His blessing to His holy tabernacle and worship and feast and give praise to Him for all His goodness and blessing. They were to recite God's blessings before Him as they feasted.

He promised judgment should they fail to obey Him in gladness for the abundance of His blessing toward them.

The Saints should also rejoice before the Lord for physical blessing, but we have so much more to be thankful for: our Savior, our Redeemer, has delivered our souls from judgment and exalted us to the heavenlies! We shall reign with Him for all eternity!

Our Worship and praise to Him should be prompted by a detailed consideration of all the facts of His blessing and goodness toward us.

The Lord's Table is a feast of celebration. In symbolic form, we feed upon the Savior, Who is become our blessing and our salvation. What a joy it is to feast with Christ, both now and forever!