This past Tuesday, [Jan 26th ] we celebrated Australia day.  And for those of us that are very patriotic, it was a feast of activities and parties and community get togethers.  The Australian flag was flying high from roof tops, cars, and every other vantage point.  And why not!  We live in the ‘lucky’ country.  We enjoy political freedom, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from war and terrorism that plagues so many other countries. And if that were all the blessings we enjoyed, it would be more than enough reason to give thanks to our faithful God!   But there is still more!

Consider too the abundance we enjoy in this ‘lucky’ country.  Not only is the kitchen cupboard full, our barns are full and many are building bigger ones.  In this ‘lucky’ country, no one needs to go hungry.  No one needs to sleep on park benches [but some do]. No one needs to go about without clothes [although some like to].  And if that were all the blessings we enjoyed, it would be more than enough reason to give thanks to our faithful God!   But there is still more!

Consider for a moment the modern medical facilities we have access to.  We have hospitals with the latest and best medical equipment and operating theatres that are on a par with the best in the world.  We have doctors and specialists in various fields of medicine and excellent nursing staff as well as medicines to heal our diseases.  And if that were all the blessings we enjoyed, it would be more than enough reason to give thanks to our faithful God!   But there is still more!

We have various emergency services that watch over our welfare.  Police, fire fighters, ambulances, SES, quick response crews and many others.  We can enjoy freedom of travel on public buses and trains, private cars, or fly to far away countries on modern aircraft of travel across oceans on luxurious cruise ships.  You name it, we have it!  I could go on listing all the blessings that we enjoy in this ‘lucky’ country. 

And let’s not forget to extend our congratulations to all those members of the public, some 446 of them including some well known sporting men and women for receiving the ‘Order of Australia’. These people have been recognized for their contribution to the welfare of fellow Australians through their charity work or achievements in life as it affects other Australians.  Our appreciation and thanks go out to them.  And if that were all the blessings we enjoyed, it would be more than enough reason to give thanks to our faithful God!  

So in light of those blessings you would think that someone, somewhere would call on people to begin the day of festivities by giving thanks to our gracious God from whom all blessings flow, not least being our salvation in Christ.  Sadly though, everyone is silent and to our shame, so are we. 

Prayer:Lord, thank you for your many blessings that we enjoy in this land.  Forgive us for our silence and lack of thankfulness, for Jesus sake.  Amen.  JZ.