A reason to give thanks

Happy Thanksgiving all!

Psalm 100 is titled, “A psalm of thanksgiving” so I thought it was very appropriate for the day.

As I was reflecting on this psalm, however, it occurred to me how unusual it was. It seems much more a New Testament psalm than an Old Testament one.

Why?

It is a call not just for the Jews, but for all people to worship God.

Prior to the cross, it was the Jews who had reason to worship. They were the ones who could truly claim to be God’s people, God’s sheep. They were the ones who had special access to God.

But this side of the cross, everyone who believes in Jesus, both Jew and non-Jew, can now enter into God’s presence. All have the right to say, “I am God’s sheep. I belong to him.”

So let us serve him with gladness, coming before him with joyful songs.

Let us boldly enter his presence with thanksgiving and bless his name.

For the Lord is good, and his faithful love endures forever;
his faithfulness, through all generations. (Psalm 100:5)