Gratitude

Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes: even so, Father; for so it seemed good in thy sight. – Luke 10:21

Jesus is rejoicing. Jesus is expressing gratitude to the heavenly Father. And for what is he thanking God? He is thankful that God is doing God's pleasure.

Most of us struggle with having a joyful, thankful heart like Jesus has here. And when we do get around to expressing thanksgiving to God, it is usually for the things that please or encourage us. But Jesus is thankful that God is doing what seems good in His own sight.

Don't miss the point here. Jesus has just finished pronouncing curses on Chorazin and Bethsaida and Capernaum because of their unbelief. He then instructs his disciples to rejoice that their names are written in heaven. In the context of these contrasting people groups, Jesus then thanks his Father for hiding and for revealing truth as seemed good in His sight.

Jesus is pleased that God is sovereign. Jesus rejoices that God is hiding and revealing the truth according to His own purposes. Jesus is thankful that salvation is ultimately in God's hands and that God has graciously revealed truth to the undeserving and simple-minded, while concealing it from the worldly wise and cunning.

Do you have this spirit in your prayers to God? Are you able to thank Him for His divine and sovereign working, even when it crosses your own desires? Are you able to rejoice in the grace of God to the lowly, the undeserving, the unexpected?