Be Thankful, Not Just Faithful

Scripture: So Jesus answered and said, “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?” And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.” Luke 17:17-19

Observation: Jesus heals 10 lepers, and commands them to go and present themselves to the priest as is commanded for healing of skin diseases. They do, and afterwards only one returns to thank Jesus and praise the Lord. Jesus is incredulous at this ... he is disappointed that the other nine did not feel the need to praise God for their healing, and the only one who did wasn't even an Israelite but a Samaritan. That said, he then speaks to the Samaritan, making it clear that it was his faith that made him well.

This is a theme ... faith in the Lord ultimately heals, and Jesus performs his miracles not just by his authority but also through the faith of those in need of healing. This being true, it also means that ... all 10 of the lepers actually had faith. All 10 had called out to him. They collectively lifted up their voices in verse 13, called Jesus their master, and asked for his mercy.

In the end, 10 desperate lepers had faith, yet only one healthy man had thanks.

Application: We talk every day right now about our faith that the Lord is in full control of this situation. We have faith his is working in communities, renewing hearts, retrieving the lost, and in the end there will an awakening of faith throughout the world. However, will we all thank God for this? Will we thank God for even the amazing results, let alone the journey? Or will 90 percent of us fail to thank the Lord and praise him for his wonderous miracles and divine mercy, and instead simply wander out of our homes and return to our 'normal' lives?

I will make it a point to thank the Lord. Faith is sufficient, but praise and thanksgiving are the outpouring of that faith, and I will not fail in that regard.

Prayer: Lord, I thank you for this reminder today that faith-filled people are still much more likely to fail to thank you for your love and mercy. We wish for your grace, but forget to thank you when we receive it. May I remember this lesson and never fail to thank you for your grace, mercy, and blessings. Amen.