One out of Ten

"Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus' feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan."

Luke 17:15-16 (ESV)

God wants to replace our complaining problem with gratitude. It is not going to be a mechanical exercise of the will. This exchange starts and continues in the heart. Today, I want to revisit the Gospel story of the healing of the ten lepers. 

Jesus was going to Jerusalem. He was between Samaria and Galilee. When he entered a village, ten lepers approached him from a distance. They were unclean because of their disease, so they decided to scream to get Jesus’ attention. The Bible tells us that with a loud voice, they said “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 

Jesus didn’t answer them with a yes or no. When He saw them, He said “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” Side note. He could have done so many things in order to alleviate their pain and suffering. He chose to follow the guidelines found in Leviticus 14. The priests were the ones who should look at the leper to be sure they were healed. Jesus came to obey, to fulfill the law. But do we function the same way? 

The ten lepers obey Jesus’ word and leave. As they went, they were made clean. One out of ten noticed the miracle, turned back, praised God with a loud voice, and prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet to thank Him. 

One out of ten showed gratitude. Ingratitude is a common sin with severe repercussions. 2 Timothy 3 lists ungratefulness as part of an amalgamation of characteristics belonging to ungodly people. Paul tells us to avoid such people. I challenge you: don’t be such a person. Jesus in Luke 6:35 talks about the ungrateful opposed to His people, whom He calls sons of the Most Him.

You reproduce who you are. The people of God should act like Him. There is no room or tolerance for abiding ungratefulness in the life of a Christian. 

One out of ten turned back, praised God with a loud voice, and prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet to thank Him. Jesus told him something He didn’t tell the other lepers: “Get up and go your way; your faith has made you well.” The Greek word for “well” is translated as "salvation." We find that same word in the book of Matthew 1:21 when it says that Jesus shall save His people from their sins.  The Samaritan leper asked for healing. When he went back to thank Jesus, he received an extra blessing: salvation. I wonder if you and I are missing out on blessings because we are not turning back to say "thank you Jesus."

My challenge for you today is to remember to: Turn back, Praise God, Prostrate yourself at Jesus’ feet and thank Him.

It’s easy to pray, get what you want, and walk away. Yet, that’s not who we are. We are like the one who came back to say “thank you Lord for everything you’ve done. Thank you for every victory won. My heart had to come back to say thank you.” 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, work in my heart in such a way that I can be the one who comes back to say thank you. May I be known for habitually turning back, praising God and prostrating myself at your feet to tell you thank you. Nothing is too difficult for you. I worship you and I am grateful for all you’ve done for me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.