“One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.” (Luke 17:15–16)
The story of the ten lepers healed by Jesus reminds me of the church sometimes. The fact that God healed ten men, and only one returned to give thanks speaks volumes about the human condition.
I’m sure the nine lepers who kept going without thanking Jesus were actually grateful. I just think they were a bit selfish at that moment; they were too excited about their new situation to slow down, go back, and thank Jesus.
Similarly, we’re moving way too fast these days. We sometimes forget to slow down, go back, and thank Jesus.
But if we would, we would find even greater blessings. To the one who returned, Jesus said, “…Get up. On your way. Your faith has healed and saved you.” (Luke 17:19, The Message) Ten were healed. Only one was forgiven.
Along those lines, Thomas à Kempis writes, “Be thankful for the smallest blessing, and you will deserve to receive greater. Value the least gifts no less than the greatest, and simple graces as special favors. If you remember the dignity of the Giver, no gift will seem small or mean, for nothing can be valueless that is given by the most high God.” (The Imitation of Christ)
Thankfulness should be the very heartbeat of every Christian. We go to church on Sunday primarily to worship God and thank him for all He’s done for us.
When you think about it, the only things you can actually give to God that he doesn’t already have are your worship and thanksgiving.
This Thursday, let’s slow down, go back, thank Jesus…and then make it a daily habit.
Happy Thanksgiving!
