This was Moe's last message as our pastor.

Audio Below

Lamentations 3:19-25

Thanksgiving for God’s Faithfulness

______________________________________

Lamentations 3:19-25 NIV
I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. [20] I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. [21] Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: [22] Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. [23] They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. [24] I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." [25] The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;

Lamentations 3:22-23 can be seen as fulfilled in Christ in several significant ways, particularly from a Christian theological perspective:

• Manifestation of God’s Love and Mercy: As Christians we believe that Jesus Christ is the ultimate manifestation of God's steadfast love and mercy. The life, death, and resurrection of Jesus are seen as the greatest demonstration of God’s love for humanity (John 3:16). In Christ, the unceasing love and mercy that are spoken of in Lamentations are personified and made tangible.
• Renewal and New Beginnings: God’s mercies being new every morning resonates with the Christian understanding of new life through Christ. The message of the Gospel is one of redemption and new beginnings, mirroring the theme of daily renewal found in these verses.
• Hope in Suffering: Just as Lamentations speaks to finding hope in the midst of despair, the life of Christ provides a model for finding hope amidst suffering. Christ’s suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection are central to Christian faith, offering believers a source of hope and strength in their own trials.
• Faithfulness of God: The coming of Christ is the fulfillment of God's promises throughout the Old Testament, demonstrating His faithfulness. Christ's sacrificial love on the cross is the ultimate act of faithfulness to humanity.
• Intercession and Compassion: Christ’s role as an intercessor who understands human suffering and offers mercy and compassion aligns with the themes of mercy and compassion in Lamentations. In Hebrews 4:15, it is noted that Jesus empathizes with human weaknesses, offering grace and mercy.
• Enduring Presence of Christ: The enduring nature of God's love and mercy as described in Lamentations is echoed in the promise of Christ’s continual presence with believers (Matthew 28:20). This enduring presence is the Christian's comfort and assurance.
• Spiritual Restoration: Just as Lamentations speaks of restoration and hope in the midst of sorrow, Christ’s message and work are centered on spiritual restoration and the promise of eternal life, which restores hope and peace to believers.

Thanksgiving

Lamentations 3:22-23 has a deep resonance with the celebration of Thanksgiving. Here's how they interconnect:

Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude for blessings received. 

• The recognition of God's steadfast love and mercy, as exemplified in Lamentations and fulfilled in Christ, aligns perfectly with the spirit of Thanksgiving. 
• It's a time to acknowledge and give thanks for the enduring and unconditional love of God that sustains us through all seasons of life.

Thanksgiving often brings a sense of renewal and hope, much like the message in Lamentations 3:22-23. 

• It's a time to reflect on the past, acknowledge the present, and look forward to the future with a renewed sense of hope and optimism, reminiscent of the "new mercies" that are spoken of in these verses.

Just as the Thanksgiving holiday is a time to remember and celebrate blessings, the faithfulness of God as seen through the life and work of Jesus Christ is a profound reason for Christians to be thankful. 

• It's a reminder that in every circumstance, whether in abundance or in need, God remains faithful.

Thanksgiving is traditionally a time for gathering with family and friends, sharing love, and extending hospitality. 

• This mirrors the Christian call to embody Christ's love and mercy in our interactions with others, a central theme in the understanding of Lamentations 3:22-23 being fulfilled in Christ.

The Prayer of Thanksgiving, particularly in the context of Christ's fulfillment of biblical promises, aligns with the Thanksgiving tradition of reflecting on one's blessings and expressing gratitude through prayer and thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving can also be a time for reconciliation and extending grace, much like the grace and new beginnings offered through Christ. 

• It's a season to forgive, to let go of past grievances, and to embrace the present with a spirit of graciousness.

Thanksgiving is often associated with the harvest, a time to gather and celebrate the fruits of the earth. In a spiritual sense, Christians celebrate the harvest of God's love and mercy, reaped through faith in Christ and His teachings.

In summary, the celebration of Thanksgiving harmoniously aligns with the themes of Lamentations 3:22-23 and their fulfillment in Christ. 

It's a time to acknowledge and give thanks for God's unwavering love, mercy, and faithfulness, to celebrate community and love, and to embrace the spirit of hope, renewal, and grace.

On a personal note, Karan and I are thankful for God’s faithfulness these many years here at SGF. We have enjoyed a wealth of encouragement, joy, and the sure mercies of our faithful God and our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Our prayer is for you to remember the words of Lamentations 3:22-23.

“Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”