Dave’s Monday Blast – November 25, 2024
Happy Thanksgiving! I am “fixin” to celebrate my first Thanksgiving in Tennessee. As you know, Thanksgiving is a uniquely American Celebration; it exists for one simple reason. The Pilgrims, who founded the Plymouth Plantation (Modern day Massachusetts) in 1620, were so grateful to have survived their first year in this new land that they put together a three day celebratory event (which included indigenous peoples who had helped them survive) which demonstrated that they understood from “whom all blessings flow”. In spite of losing nearly half of all the original settlers, their faith was on display as they gave thanks to God for His faithfulness and provision.
A series of Presidential proclamations and resolutions from George Washington (Revolution), Abraham Lincoln (Civil War), and Franklin Roosevelt (WW 2) have kept this tradition alive with the same intent: In Spite of the circumstances, Americans will always give thanks to the Almighty God for His faithfulness and provision.
This celebration has endured for 403 years because God has been INTENTIONAL in His own way to remind us of who He is. Like all gifts from the Father, we must safeguard the intent of this special day. I am reminded of Psalm 127:1 – 5: “Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the Lord guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain”.
I was listening to Dr. David Jeremiah recently and he commented on this verse: “Who will take the first watch? We hear that phrase often in films depicting armies or other groups in conflict. The modern word for the person standing guard is sentry, the ancient (biblical word) was watchman. Different words but the same purpose: to provide protection by watching for and warning of the approach of those who would do harm.”
Next week I want to break this idea down a bit further. Men of INTENTION understand that they are the watchmen. We are protectors of faith, family, and culture.
I pray that you will have a fantastic week with family and friends, but do not lose sight of the reason for this celebration. Be a watchman.
