Gratitude is the measure of how well grace is received. The gifts of manna in Ex 16 preceded the gifts of God's law by four chapters. Grace was found in both gifts of course, but Israel did not receive either gift with graciousness it seems, but received them as endowments or entitlements.

That other nations around them did not receive these gifts was enough to make them possessive of their gifts and unwilling to share them. Just think of how grateful you would be if your bread and water were sure. Every day, six days a week, there was enough food and enough water to live well on for all seven days. Yet, gratitude was in short supply. The evidence for this is found in all the grumbling Israel did as they traveled in the wilderness. Their food, clothing, water, protection and shelter were all provided for, yet they found it wanting and often threatened to return to Egypt.

How ungrateful is that? Precisely my point.

Grace is the gift that we should accept with great gratitude. It is the gift that inspires obedience to a graceful God. Gratitude is the affirmation God expects of us, not for His comfort or approval but for our understanding of the depth of His goodness. We seem to be good at measuring things, maybe grace should be most measured and gratitude expressed be the measuring stick.

Much grace and gratitude to you this Thanksgiving and Christmas Season.