On Thanksgiving, millions of people will watch the Thanksgiving Day parade on TV and in person. They will find happiness in the bands' floats and entries of all kinds. A large portion of these people will then go back to their life struggling to retain the happiness they felt as they watched the parade. They will miss out on the joy that is provided by God in the parade of His Grace. Let me be the announcer today who describes the 25-word grace, mercy, and thanksgiving, parade of God. For this, we can be thankful. John 3:16 NASB1995 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
As the parade approaches we see that it begins with the creator of today's parade. God starts off the parade. He is front and center in the only place He should be. He reminds us that to have the joy of Thanksgiving and the Grace and Mercy this parade represents we must recognize God as the beginning. As we are in awe of God we see His attribute of Love following. It is so large that it covers the crowd and floats high above all, completely encompassing so that no one is left out. Even those who didn't come to the parade are able to see His love. Next as we head toward the center of the parade we see God again and we are amazed that He has taken such a pivotal roll in this parade. We wonder how many times He will Grace us with the glory of His presence. Once again the awe we feel as He is the first and foremost of the parade and is the center of it as well. Besides that, in this position, He is giving another gift. What is that He is offering to everyone? Could it be? Yes it is. God is offering His Son. He is giving out His only Begotten Son. Many are running to receive Him, yet others are refusing. Next we see the Word as it explains that Jesus is God's Son. What a beautiful sight and a gift. It is so amazing. No matter how you look at it you can see it is pointing to Jesus! From the front, back, both sides, underneath, and even from above it clearly reveals who Jesus is and what He came to do. This is truly the most glorious parade ever presented. Now as we look at the Word we see it is followed by Jesus again wrapped in flesh He looks to be 100 percent man not really appearing special but yet still revealing that He is 100 percent God. Again we are amazed as God is in the parade again handing out a measure of faith to everyone. All are getting it but those who are placing their faith in Jesus are being changed. Their sins are being forgiven as the blood of Jesus is washing them in mercy. They are the most excited parade crowd ever. Others who have refused are perishing into the next float which looks like death. It is everlasting and is dark yet burning. The float is attempting to devour all but those who placed their faith in Jesus are being protected by mercy. This mercy appears to be conquering death as Jesus is pourung it out on the crowd of believers. Next we see grace as it is providing life on top of the mercy that has kept them out of hell. The crowd is amazed that they have been given such a gift. They didn't pay to get into the parade but life is bringing them in as they are receiving eternity in the presence of God. The parade is continuing with I can't believe it. There is God again taking all the believers into Himself as they are in God! This is truly a parade of Thanksgiving.
So the parade started with God He was in every part. Giving His Son who gave life to everyone who believed bringing them to life eternal in the presence of God.
John 3:16 NASB1995 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life.
Believe and be Thankful.
Love Bro. Scott