He
prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan.
Luke 17.16
The man healed
from leprosy came back to Jesus to thank Him. We are told he was praising God
with a loud voice (v15). He was genuine, and visible in his gratitude and
thanks.
But there were
ten lepers in all who were healed. Jesus asks where the other nine were when it
came to thanking God. Furthermore, the man who returned was a Samaritan, a
“foreigner”. We’re not told the origin of the other nine, but it is just likely
that they were Jews. This would certainly highlight Jesus’ response. If a stranger
can give thanks and joyfully and robustly thank God, what about family members?
Shouldn’t we be shouting God’s praises louder and longer because of the
relationship we have with Him?
My testimony
is conditioned by what I am prepared to speak out, and live out. If I don’t
tell it, how will it be heard? But there are ways to “tell”. I think the most
powerful witness is shown by the way I live. My treatment of others and myself
needs to speak clearly of my relationship with God. I believe I have a way to
go with this, but I can give myself to it, and seek His help.
As I fix my
eyes on Jesus I become more and more mindful of His being, His ways and His
presence with me. May I, like the grateful Samaritan, make clear to all what
God means to me.
Lord Jesus,
I thank You for all You do for me. I thank You for
what You’re doing in me. It’s a continuing process, and I give myself to it
with all that I have. But I need You. Strengthen me, please, and embolden me
with Your Holy Spirit to “praise God with a loud voice” and reveal Your
goodness in my life. Hallelujah! Amen.
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