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
Ten lepers had been healed, but
only one came back to praise God for his healing. How readily we might accept
the good that God does for us, but how slow may we be in thanking Him and
giving Him the praise and glory that is warranted?
The leper who was healed was a
Samaritan. The healing took place on the border between Samaria and Galilee,
and it is likely that the lepers comprised Samaritans and Jews for, though Jews
did not normally associate with Samaritans, leprosy broke down social barriers.
It also erected others.
So the lepers might well have
comprised Samaritans and Jews. But only a Samaritan responded. This was surely quite
surprising in the climate of the day!
Similarly today, we might be
surprised at the people who respond to Jesus. Those we may expect to respond
could quite easily turn, and go their own way, while those we might not expect
to respond could well be the ones to come forward with praise and thanksgiving
to God. And these latter would be mightily blessed – “Rise
and go; your faith has made you well.” (v 19).
Lord God,
I thank You, firstly, that You brought me to respond to You. I am
grateful, and I seek to follow Your ways for all time.
I thank You also for all those You touch who respond positively to You.
May they also know the fullness of the life You have for them.
I pray for those who pass by on their own way. Please give them further
opportunity to turn to You. Soften hardened hearts and turn around lives that
presently point away from You. May Your love consume, and may all those in need
of Your love be touched. Use those who love You to spread Your love. I ask
these things in Jesus’ name. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment