Grateful Hearts, Generous Hands | 1 Chronicles 29:10-22 | Thanksgiving

Watch This Sermon on 1 Chronicles 29:10-22

In this Thanksgiving sermon on 1 Chronicles 29:10–22, Pastor Mark Groen takes us into King David’s powerful expression of gratitude as Israel prepares for the building of the temple. David’s prayer highlights God’s unmatched sovereignty, the reality that all blessings flow from Him, and the call to respond with worship and generosity. As we reflect on God's provision, David reminds us that even our offerings are only returning what already belongs to the Lord. Whether you're gathered around the table or navigating a season of difficulty, this message will re-center your heart on the faithfulness of God and the joy of living as a thankful people.

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Thank you for joining us for this week's sermon from First Reformed Church in Edgerton, Minnesota. Each week, we dig into God's Word, trusting that the Holy Spirit will continue the good work of sanctification in us. Perhaps the hardest attitude to fake is gratitude. We've likely all had to do it. You may have received a gift you didn’t want or couldn’t identify, yet you know the giver meant well. You try to say thank you, but your face might betray your true feelings. Similarly, most of us have given a gift and seen someone force a smile, trying to be polite while unsure about the gift. Their effort to show gratitude is clear, even if it’s not heartfelt.

Each year, Thanksgiving arrives whether we’re ready or not. Some years it feels early; this year, it feels late. It comes regardless of whether we feel thankful or content, which is a wonderful thing. Setting aside a day to cultivate thankfulness is valuable. As I considered gratitude, I wondered: if Thanksgiving didn’t exist, would we create such a holiday today? With increasing secularization, would our culture acknowledge anyone to thank besides ourselves? Our modern desire for autonomy suggests we want to be independent, especially from God.

Without someone to thank, is gratitude necessary? Collectively, modern culture often acts as if we control our destinies, functioning as if we are God. We believe we deserve thanks for our hard work, seeing ourselves as the thanks receivers, not givers. This is why Thanksgiving is essential. It reminds us we are not the source of all things. All things come from God’s hand. Through His common grace, we receive what sustains us. Through His saving grace, we receive salvation from sin, death, and hell.

We don’t gather today to thank a vague, ethereal presence. We give thanks to the triune God for all He has graciously bestowed upon us. That’s why we celebrate Thanksgiving: because He is the giver of all things. This morning, we’ll explore our Old Testament passage from 1 Chronicles 29. To fully understand it, we need context, as we’re entering mid-chapter. This passage occurs near the end of King David’s life as he prepares for Solomon to succeed him as king of Israel.

Additionally, David was not permitted by God to build the temple; sacrifices continued in the tabernacle. With Solomon’s reign, the temple’s construction is imminent. An offering was taken for this permanent structure, and the response was abundant. The people gave generously. Now, David leads Israel in praising God for His sovereignty and provision. Instead of thanking the donors, David thanks God for providing the resources.

With this context, let’s outline three points to guide us through the passage. First, we’ll see God’s kingdom and sovereignty. God owns all things and gives us our blessings. Second, our gratitude is shown by giving back to God what He has given us. Finally, God’s blessings lead His people to worship Him with joyful, faithful hearts.

As we dive into the text, David praises God before the assembly, immediately highlighting God’s faithfulness. He could use many titles for God, but he calls Him the God of Israel, our Father, referring to Jacob. This recalls God’s faithfulness across generations. David notes God has been faithful in the past and will be forever. He uses “LORD” in all caps—Yahweh, God’s covenant name—emphasizing His covenant faithfulness. David explains why God is faithful: everything belongs to Him. He declares, “Yours is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty.” All in heaven and earth is God’s.

God is sovereign, in control, with all things subject to Him. This sovereignty enables the people’s blessings and their ability to praise. It’s His kingdom, not theirs. David, as king, isn’t exalted; the Lord is the true king. All riches and honor come from God, who gives strength and greatness. This prompts David’s thanks and praise, underscoring why we have Thanksgiving. In a culture valuing autonomy, we might not create such a holiday today, but we gather because all good gifts come from God. Without His benevolence, we’d have nothing.

Gratitude naturally leads to action, not just words. Our second point, from verses 14–16, explores how gratitude is shown by giving back to God. David asks, “Who am I, and what is my people, that we’re able to offer gifts to God?” This question humbles us, reminding us of our low state without God. We are creatures of dust, yet He is generous despite our rebellion and sin. David calls the people strangers and sojourners—outsiders—yet God makes them insiders, part of His family. This grace extends across generations, as their fathers were also sojourners.

This prompts reflection: do we appreciate God’s faithfulness to our families through time? Many of us are here because God was faithful to prior generations. This is a reason to thank Him. Our ancestors were strangers saved by His grace, passing the gospel through generations. As we give thanks, we should praise God for this faithfulness and pray to be found faithful, sharing the cross’s message with future generations, trusting God to show mercy to those who hear it.

Our fleeting lives—mere shadows—highlight the need for God’s infinite power. Gratitude arises from recognizing our low state and God’s mercy. David notes the temple offering is simply returning what God provided. This applies beyond money to our lives. We offer our lives in service because God gave us life, provision, and faith in Christ, making us more than shadows but lights shining for His eternal glory.

David’s example deepens our understanding: gratitude is expressed through giving and living. Our final point, from verses 20–22, shows gratitude’s pinnacle in joyful, faithful worship. David calls the assembly to bless the Lord, who is worthy of praise. They recognize God’s enduring faithfulness, blessing “the Lord, the God of their fathers.” Their trust in His covenant faithfulness leads to sacrifices, not just for sin but as worship, joyfully giving what God provided. They eat and drink before the Lord with great gladness, offering abundant sacrifices because all comes from Him.

We, too, are in covenant with God, called to offer our lives as living sacrifices, as Romans 12:1 urges, due to Christ’s grace. As we gather today, may we thank God most for salvation in Jesus. Equipped with His Word and Spirit, may we offer our lives as living sacrifices with joy. David’s prayer and the assembly’s worship remind us of God’s generosity. Our lives, families, salvation, and eternal hope are His gracious gifts.

What does this mean for us today? First, reflect on God’s faithfulness to us and our families—His provision, sustaining grace, and salvation through Christ. Respond tangibly through offerings, service, and aligning our lives with God’s Word. Gratitude grows when we depend on God, giving thanks in all circumstances and trusting Him for our needs. Finally, let gratitude overflow in worship. May our Thanksgiving be more than a meal—a testimony to God’s greatness. Offer Him your heart, resources, and life as a living sacrifice, praising Him with joyful, faithful hearts for His unending grace. Amen.

Let us pray. Great and merciful God, Giver of all things, we are a blessed people, blessed by the abundance You provide, with life and family. The greatest richness is salvation in Jesus. May we offer ourselves as living sacrifices, living to express thanks to You. May we witness to the world that there is a giver of all things, and all thanks is due to Him alone. It is in the name of Jesus that we pray. Amen.

Thank you for joining us for this week's sermon. For more information about First Reformed Church, head to our Facebook page or website, edgertonfrc.org.

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