Luke 17:11-17 KJV – “And it came to pass, as he went to Jerusalem, that he passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?”
Life is tough and often throws us curve balls. In the case of the ten lepers, each was condemned to death by a slow, all-consuming disease. There was no cure except for a miracle—precisely what Jesus had in mind. Think about those you know who are hurting because of sickness or mistreatment. Or perhaps you’re gripped by some great concern. Dear saint, the outcome of our trial is known by God, but will we be thankful to Him when He brings us through it?
The response of the lepers is instructive. In it, we see ten men desperate for relief but learn how few were thankful when the trouble had passed, and the sky began to clear. Jesus healed all ten, but only one praised God and, in gratitude, returned to thank Him for His gracious healing. The others were like those who receive from God but are forgetful of His goodness.
Thanksgiving is to be characteristic of the believer’s life. The Bible even commands it. “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). While relief from our earthly afflictions may be yet future, remember that Christ released us from the ravages of sin. May we not be counted among those who have accepted the miracle of salvation yet show little gratitude for it.
Today, thank God for the sacrifice of His only Son, through whom you will receive the ultimate healing and enter heaven’s gates. That, my friend, is something to thank Him for now and forevermore!
