An Altar to Give Thanks
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“And Noah builded an altar unto the LORD; and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. And the LORD smelled a sweet savour; and the LORD said in his heart, I will not again curse the ground any more for man’s sake; for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; neither will I again smite any more every thing living, as I have done. While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.”
Genesis 8:20–22
Noah had the unique experience of his family being the only survivors spared from the Flood that God sent, to judge the wickedness of man. He and his family did not live through that global catastrophe because of his cleverness or foresight, but because of the grace of God. When Noah was warned of the coming judgment, he responded in faith and built the ark according to God’s design and specifications. The ark did exactly what God promised, and after more than a year had passed, Noah and his family emerged safely onto dry ground.
The first thing Noah did was build an altar to make an offering to God. Truly he had much for which to be thankful—as do we. Most of us, however, would have to acknowledge that we fall short when it comes to giving God the praise and thanks He deserves. Though there are many reasons for that, one of the great causes of ingratitude is our desire to think that we make it through on our own strength and effort. When we give thanks to God, we admit that He deserves all the praise and glory rather than us. William Jennings Bryan said, “On Thanksgiving Day, we acknowledge our dependence.” Let us lay aside our pride and in humility come before the Lord, giving thanks.
Genesis 8:20–22
Noah had the unique experience of his family being the only survivors spared from the Flood that God sent, to judge the wickedness of man. He and his family did not live through that global catastrophe because of his cleverness or foresight, but because of the grace of God. When Noah was warned of the coming judgment, he responded in faith and built the ark according to God’s design and specifications. The ark did exactly what God promised, and after more than a year had passed, Noah and his family emerged safely onto dry ground.
The first thing Noah did was build an altar to make an offering to God. Truly he had much for which to be thankful—as do we. Most of us, however, would have to acknowledge that we fall short when it comes to giving God the praise and thanks He deserves. Though there are many reasons for that, one of the great causes of ingratitude is our desire to think that we make it through on our own strength and effort. When we give thanks to God, we admit that He deserves all the praise and glory rather than us. William Jennings Bryan said, “On Thanksgiving Day, we acknowledge our dependence.” Let us lay aside our pride and in humility come before the Lord, giving thanks.
Today’s Growth Principle:
No offering that we present to God can adequately express our thanks and gratitude for His salvation.
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