Psalm 100:4-5 English Standard Version
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!
5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.
It is a tradition that verses of the day appear like this just before Thanksgiving. It is a reminder of attitudes of gratitude and what is proper and right. We may agree on the need and this will create a bond of fellowship as we gather this week.
What does this do for us on a personal scale? Does it address any particular concerns we have at the moment? Is it a help in times of trouble?
Look at the word gate and ask ourselves if we have a complete understanding of what that means.
“The Jaffa Gate shows us viscerally that ancient city gates were not just entrances. Instead, they were the natural focal point for public life.
The Bible itself records that city gates were used in various ways. At the gates people would finalise business deals (Genesis 23), arrange marriages (Ruth 4) and settle disputes in the presence of witnesses (Amos 5). The king used gates to address his subjects (2 Samuel 18).” Quote from firmisrael.org
Have we dealt with the matters of mankind before we come within His courts? If we intend to enter in with thanksgiving, then have we settled our issues with mankind first?
Matthew 5:23-24 English Standard Version
23 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift.
Remember that the breaking of bread together began with making peace and a covenant with one another. Then we can be thankful together.