WERE NOT TEN CLEANSED? – By Bro. Gilbert Rice
“Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger” (Luke 17:17, 18).
Ten Lepers met Jesus one day nearly 2000 years ago as he journeyed south to Jerusalem. [Luke 17:11] All sought his mercy and were given the same instruction: Go show yourselves unto the priests. [Luke 17:13,14] As they obeyed his word, all were cleansed. Yet only one, a Samaritan, returned to give thanks to Jesus. [Luke 17:15,16]
The failure of the nine to do so brought the above remarks recorded by Luke. [Luke 17:17,18] What of the other nine? Were they grateful for their healing? Or did their joy in the gift cause them to quickly forget the giver? Yes, it is possible even for those who have received much to take God’s favours for granted.
Thankfulness, genuine gratitude, is a mark of maturity and gentility among all honourable people. But even then, it remains only a gesture unless it comes from the heart in real appreciation of the goodness of the giver. The one leper, when he realized he had been healed, deliberately returned back to where Jesus was. Heedless of all about him, he praised God with a loud voice. [Luke 17:15] Falling on his face at Jesus’ feet, he thanked him publicly. [Luke 17:16]
There is a lesson of thankfulness here for all people. It is not surprising to find numerous scriptural injunctions to Christian thanksgiving for all things, at all times, in all circumstances. Indeed, the Christian life is to be one of thankfulness, “for what has thou that thou didst not receive?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). The words in Psalms 107:21, 22 are relevant to every believer in Christ Jesus.
“Oh that men would praise the LORD for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men. Let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing.” Praise, sacrifice, and witness help us discharge our debt of gratitude.
May our lives be lives of thankfulness and praise in every part: first to our Heavenly Father for all the riches of His grace; [secondly] to His Dear Son, our Saviour, who loved us and gave himself for us; and [thirdly] toward all whose love and kindness enrich our lives.
– By Bro. Gilbert Rice from Faithbuilders Fellowship Library.
(https://2043ad.com/library/library.htm)
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