We are wrapping up this month’s theme, The Lord, Our Healer. Many of you have shared this reading/writing plan with your friends, family, and church groups. I have heard the testimonies of people changing their confession to speak life, health, and healing over themselves. Me too!
Recently, my pastor preached a message that has continued to stir in my spirit. So, for this last week, I want to draw our attention to a familiar story. In Luke 17:11-19, as Jesus was traveling between Samaria and Galilee, ten lepers called to him. They stood far off because of their leprous condition. They cried out to Jesus for mercy. They longed to be healed from that awful disease. Since they were quite a distance away, I imagine them shouting to Jesus, begging and pleading. He heard them and saw their need. Jesus told them to show themselves to the priest, as was their custom, to end their banishment. Nothing happened immediately, but “as they went,” they were healed.
When one of the men saw that he was healed, he turned back and fell at Jesus’ feet, glorifying God and giving thanks for his healing. Jesus asked, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” (this man was a Samaritan).
So many lessons are seen in this passage of scripture. First, we see Jesus’ willingness to heal, even those who are outcasts. His love and healing power is stretched out for us all (Yes! He is willing). We also see faith in operation. These men knew that Jesus could, indeed, heal them. So, when Jesus said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests,” they went. At that moment, their healing was not seen. They had nothing to show the priest! But they, in faith and obedience, walked on. As they went, they were healed. Sometimes, we will have to walk on, in faith, believing that God will heal.
But the thing that sticks out to me most is that only one man came back to thank Jesus. At first, he could only cry out from afar, but now he could draw near, falling at the feet of Jesus. He showed his gratitude for his healing. He gave thanks to our loving, wonderful Savior. But it was only one. I can’t help but wonder, just like Jesus, “where are the nine?”
More importantly, I want to know, “Am I the nine?”
When I look back at the course of my life, I can see the Lord’s great healing! He has mended my wounded, broken heart. He soothed my achy, bruised spirit. He shed His precious blood for my sin-sick soul. And His love has set me free!
Some things happened immediately, and others happened as I went–as I walked in faith and obedience.
Am I the one who will fall at His feet and give thanks? Or am I the nine who walked away healed and never turned back?
I’ve always wondered why they did not return and say thank You. The truth is we all fall into moments of ingratitude. If we are not intentional, we won’t be grateful. If we don’t cultivate gratitude, we will live lives of thanklessness and ungratefulness.
So ask yourselves, am I the one or the nine? When I look back over my life, have I shown gratitude? When I count my blessings, do I praise God, from Whom all blessings flow? Have I praised and thanked God in advance for the things I am currently praying for?
Cultivate gratitude. Let thankfulness flow from your heart. Count your blessings and praise God for every one. Even if you are still in the middle of a challenging situation, or even if you are, like me, still walking towards your healing, thank God. He has been so good to all of us, and He’s so worthy of thanks, honor, and praise!
Are you looking for ways to cultivate a life of gratitude? Join us in November for our Thanks and Giving Challenge. Together, let’s intentionally reflect on our blessings and show our appreciation in small, tangible ways.
Look for more information in the November Embrace the Word email. Join us on Facebook and Instagram and share your journey with us.
I Love you all
Until next time, remember: The Word W.O.R.K.S we are walking in WHOLENESS, OBEDIENCE, RIGHTEOUSNESS, and KINGDOM SUCCESS through the Word of God.
Erica
