One Thankful Leper

 

Greetings brothers and sisters. Our slogan this month is simple, “Be thankful.” Our memory verse this first week is Phil. 4:6, one that you probably already have memorized. Our lesson is taken from one of the events in the life of Jesus and is found in Luke 17:11-19. Jesus was passing through an unnamed village when 10 lepers begged of Him that He would have mercy on them. Take the time to read the text and learn the details of this event. Here are some lessons we can consider, first the facts and then some implications.

 

• These men started to the priest in faith. They were seeking healing. Rather than heal them on the spot, Jesus told them to go see the priest. They did not get disgusted at his lack of action or failure to heal them, but they started on their way. It was then that they were healed of their leprosy. Their faith, however, did not lead most of them to glorify God, but to selfishly go on their way. We must grow in a faith that is not simply self-serving. Many hypocrites have such faith.

 

• One had a natural heart of appreciation. As we live in life, we come to take many things for granted. We often become hardened to the abundance of our blessings because we concentrate on our troubles. It is almost unimaginable that one should be healed of the dread disease of leprosy and not, at the least, turn back with awe and appreciation to the one who gave the gift. Only one was possessed of such appreciation. The others were like little children who we need to remind again and again to say, Thank you,” to their benefactors.

 

•  We are reminded in this text that our purpose in life is to give glory to God. We are, by our character, intended to glorify God in life (1 Cor. 6:20; Rom. 15:6), glorify God in death (Jn. 21:19), and glorify God at judgment (1 Pet. 2;12).

 

• Unless I am much mistaken, leprosy is presented to us in scripture as a type (comparison) for sin from which we seek healing (2 Kings 5). Like the nine unthankful lepers, I am very afraid that many treat their salvation with the same unthankfulness. Jesus saves us and then we go through life selfishly going about our chosen business rather that constantly turning back to the Lord in appreciation and readiness to do his will. Let’s you and I bow at the cross, constantly showing our thankfulness and desire to glorify God.

 

Today and always, “Be thankful.”

 

Mike Glenn