I love the thought, that some of us, like Heman and Jeduthan, could be chosen and designated by name to be ‘thanks givers’ in the body of Christ, 1 Chronicles 16:41,42. In Ephesians 4:11,12, we are told that we have prophets in the body of Christ who prophesy, who’s task is also to provoke all of us to use that gift, so that ‘all may prophesy’. 1 Corinthians 14:1. We have evangelists, those gifted in bringing others to Christ, who also have the role of provoking the rest of us to live evangelistically. 1 peter 3:15. So in the same way, every child of God needs to be giving thanks on a regular basis, but maybe in the body of Christ there are some who are designated by name for this joyful task, and whose job it is to provoke others to give thanks also.
Now should that seem like a very narrow remit, let us look a little closer at one or two other things that we know about Heman from the bible. In 1 Chronicles 15:16-19 we read that he was among those who were appointed to sing joyful songs and to play musical instruments. Hemen himself was to be found sounding the bronze cymbals. There is no doubt that ‘thanksgivers’ will also be worshippers, and they will probably be found among those who make a joyful sound. Thanksgiving feeds the heart of worship, and takes us quickly into God’s presence. Psalm 100:4.
In 1 Chronicles 25:5 we also note that Hemen is described as the Kings seer. His prophetic gift may have come from his grandfather Samuel, 1 Chronicles 6:33, but it would also I’m sure be linked to his designated task of ‘Giving Thanks’. If, as we have said, giving thanks is a wonderful means of staying closely connected to our wonderful Heavenly Father then it is also, I believe, going to enable us to hear His heart. We are encouraged by Paul to ‘eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy……for everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening’. 1 Corinthians 14:1,3. Paul also tells the Corinthians, ‘try to excel in the gifts that build up the church’. 1 Corinthians 14:12.
The gift of New Testament prophesy may be different to the ‘office’ of a ‘seer’ or prophet in the Old Testament, but it is the same Spirit and the same God who wants to speak. So there we have it, if you want to be an encourager, if you want to hear from God and build your brothers and sisters up with ‘words’ from the Lord, you are more likely to be available and ready to do this if you are in a place of thanksgiving. Thanksgiving both to God, for who He is and what He does, but also thanksgiving for the brother or sister there in front of you, who you are seeking to bless and build up.
One further reference to Hemen comes in 2 Chronicles 5:12-14. It’s that wonderful passage telling us what happened when the Temple was finished and the Ark of the Covenant was brought in and placed in ‘the Holy of Holies’. The priests withdrew from ‘the Holy Place’ and all the Levites who were musicians, including Hemen, played their instruments and stood, ‘with one voice, to give praise and thanks to the Lord. …..They raised their voices in praise to the Lord and sang, “He is good; His love endures forever.” And as they did so, the presence of the Lord came. The glory of the Lord as a cloud filled the Temple and the priests were overwhelmed and could no longer ‘perform their services’.
Thanksgiving is so powerful, it leads us into worship and into God’s presence. Giving thanks also grows us in the prophetic, enabling us to hear God’s heart and to release His words of encouragement to others.
