1I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—2for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3This is good, and pleases God our Savior, (1 Timothy 2:1-3)
Thoughts: Thanksgiving is an American holiday. You won't find it in Europe or Asia. There were roots in a day of Thanksgiving in scripture and also in medieval celebrations. But in America, the immigrants who were exploring/pioneering the land did not know how to grow or trap food on the new continent. So Coronado proclaimed a day of thanksgiving when his group almost starved in Texas. So the Jamestown settlers had a starving time in 1610 and proclaimed thanks for getting through it. So the pilgrims got down to rationing only three kernels of corn- with half their company dead.
It is one of the suggested holidays for flying the American flag (Infoplease.comhttps://www.infoplease.com/when-and-how-display-us-flag). In 1863, in the middle of the civil war, Lincoln proclaimed a naitonal day of Thanksgiving. It has been kept every year since- but changed in 1941 to the fourth Sunday of each month.
This passage in 1 Timothy 2 says that thanksgiving should be made for all people- especially for those in authority. In our day, when people love to be outraged at politicians or those they disagree with, we should learn to see the good in others. It is part of loving our enemies. But it is also a part of the recognition that God has made everyone. There is a bit of his image- however tainted- in everyone.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for those over me- those in authority. May they listen to your voice and seek your will. Thank you for those who I love and those who love me. But also thank you for those who do not love me and who differ from me. Give me the grace to be a thankful person.
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